Good King Henry, sometimes called Wild Spinach, Mercury or even Poor Man’s Asparagus, is a small clumping plant with spinach-like leaves, which has been used as a vegetable for centuries. The name bonus-henricus derives from the Central-European fairytale ‘Guter Heinrich’, rather than from the King of England Henry VIII. It’s proven difficult to cultivate commercially, but is regaining popularity among permaculturists and kitchen gardeners in the know. The succulent leaves may be harvested a few at a time until the end of August, and cooked like spinach.

Site: sheltered
Soil: Any moist but well-drained
Position: Full sun
Season of Interest: Edible roots
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 1.5ft (0.5m) Spread: up to 1.5ft (0.5m)