earth apple

Smallanthus sonchifolius

PerennialAsteraceae

earth apple
USDA zones7 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
Size4 to 6 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
Bloom season
Autumn
Bloom color
Yellow

Notes

Earth apple (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is a perennial for vegetable gardens, grown for its sweet storage roots. It is hardy to USDA zone 7, or down to 0°F (-18°C). This plant likes full or part sun. The roots have brown skin and white flesh that tastes like apple and pear with the crisp texture of celery. You can eat them fresh like a dessert apple or roast them or cook them in stir fries, soups, stews, and curries. Small yellow flowers open in early to mid autumn.

Pairs well with Society garlic, Mondo grass, and Anemone.

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