Like so many other wild plants in our latitudes, the meadow knapweed is basically edible. Because of its bitter taste, it is primarily used as a decoration. If at all, leaves of the meadow knapweed are only eaten in very small quantities.
Can you eat the meadow knapweed?
The meadow knapweed is edible, although leaves, shoot tips and flowers can be used. However, the leaves taste bitter and are therefore used sparingly as a seasoning, while the tasteless flowers are often used to decorate dishes.
Which parts of the meadow knapweed are edible?
The leaves, shoot tips and flowers of the meadow knapweed are edible. Because of their bitter taste, leaves and shoot tips are only used as additional seasoning in the kitchen.
The flowers of the meadow knapweed have no taste of their own and are therefore primarily served as decoration for vegetable platters, wild cabbage salads and soups. They give colorful salads a very decorative look.
The flowers can be consumed fresh immediately after harvest. They can also be dried easily and used later.
When does the meadow knapweed bloom?
The flowering period of the wild plant lasts from June to November. During this time the flowers can be harvested at any time. The leaves are not quite as bitter before flowering and should therefore only be picked until flowering.
If the bitter taste doesn't bother you, the leaves can of course be collected later.
Meadow knapweed as livestock feed
Meadow knapweeds are often found in meadows and pastures. They do not contain any toxins and can therefore be eaten by grazing animals without hesitation.
However, the plants are usually despised because the taste is simply too bitter.
Meadow knapweed as a medicinal plant
An extract can be obtained from the leaves of the meadow knapweed. It was previously used for eye diseases.
The roots were also once used for medicinal purposes. Due to the high bitter content, the root has a diuretic and digestive effect. It was also administered to improve general well-being.
Good bee pasture and hop substitute
In nature, the meadow knapweed is often visited by bees and bumblebees. It is therefore considered a good pasture for bees.
The leaves and shoot tips of the meadow knapweed contain a lot of bitter substances. They used to be collected from August to September and used as a substitute for hops for brewing beer.
Tip
Knapweeds are often confused with cornflowers in nature. The two plant species look very similar. However, the meadow knapweed has larger flowers that are pink and purple in color, while cornflower flowers are blue in color.
