HONEWORT (Cryptotaenia canadensis)
Honewort is ranked S1 (critically imperiled) in Manitoba where it reaches the northwest extent of its range. It is a plant of rich, moist, but well-drained forests where it prefers dappled sunlight. It’s not stand-out attractive, but the entire plant, from root to seeds, is edible, with a flavour that resembles a cross between parsley and celery. The cool thing about honewort is that it produces a second flush of new leaves in late summer, giving you a second chance to stock up for the winter (photo on right). The leaves look similar to black snakeroot (Sanicula marilandica) and the umbelled flowers loosely resemble those of sweet cicely. Readily self-seeds, providing a nice forest ground cover.
Flower Colour: white
Sun Exposure: part shade – shade
Bloom Period: July – August
Height: 1 – 3 ft
Soil: medium – moist