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It grows in the Northeast USA in poor soil. A bit invasive but pulls out easily. I have an idea of what it is but would like confirmation. Does not smell or taste herbaceous.
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4"or taste" I'm no plant expert, but I'd suggest not tasting plants you don't know the name of...there's some nasty stuff out there. ;)– DA.Sep 10, 2012 at 20:31
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Evidently also a common name of quickweed: gardening.stackexchange.com/questions/13418/…– EcnerwalDec 2, 2014 at 13:41
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2 Answers
It's Peruvian daisy (Galinsoga quadriradiata), which is native to Central and South America.
WRT its invasiveness, saith JK Small in 1933: "a particularly pestiferous weed of such rapid growth and seeding as to make eradication extremely difficult." Ok, then.
And WRT its edibility, Peruvian daisy is quite edible as a cooked green, and is a key ingredient in ajiaco, a Columbian chicken/potato/corn stew. So now you know what to make for your next potluck! (athough, there are related species, particularly Tridax procumbens, that supposedly are toxic, so perhaps you might be best taking it to a botanist at a local university just to be safe rather than trusting random ol' me. OTOH, I seriously doubt you would find a Tridax species anywhere in the continental US except for Florida).
Very good information but I'm going to add some correction after much help from reddit. It is Galinsoga Quadriradiata/Peruvian Daisy. Good call on this.
There is another variety called Galinsoga Ciliata/Shaggy Soldier which is a bit hairy and has little to do with this conversation but interesting nonetheless.
The edible variety though is Galinsoga Parviflora/Gallant soldier/Guascas.
In any case, will attempt the ajiaco with dried substitution and very good suggestions from here, http://andreasrecipes.com/ajiaco-bogotano-colombia/
Thanks for the warning I just put a bit on my tongue. Have identified spurge, nightshade and lily of the valley nearby so not trying to be reckless.
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