grow wild or naturalized in Japan but are popular foods in other countries.

 

• スベリヒユ (Suberihiyu / Purslane)

• Food use: Widely used in the Mediterranean and Mexico — eaten raw in salads or cooked with pork. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  University of Florida IFAS Extension – Purslane overview

• In Japan: Classified as a prehistoric naturalized plant and grows nationwide.
  Shigei Medicinal Plant Garden – Purslane entry

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• シロザ (Shiroza / Lamb’s Quarters)

• Food use: Known as “quelites” in Mexico and “wild spinach” in Europe; eaten boiled or sautéed.
  Clemson University Extension – Lamb’s Quarters fact sheet

• In Japan: A long-naturalized species; young leaves and seeds are edible.
  Japanese Wikipedia – Shiroza entry

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• セイヨウイラクサ (Seiyou Irakusa / Stinging Nettle)

• Food use: Popular in Europe for soups and herbal teas. Cooking removes the sting.
  Forager Chef – Nettle Soup Recipe

• In Japan: Naturalized and listed by the Japan Medical Herb Association.
  JMHA – Stinging Nettle Herb Profile

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• タンポポ (Tanpopo / Dandelion)

• Food use: In Europe, young leaves are used in salads; roots roasted as coffee substitute.
  University of Vermont Extension – Dandelion as Food

• In Japan: Common throughout the country (both native and foreign species), rarely eaten.

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• オオバコ (Oobako / Plantain)

• Food use: Common edible and medicinal plant in Europe; leaves used in soups or dried teas.
  Eat The Weeds – Plantain field guide

• In Japan: Plantago major and related species naturalized.
  National Institute for Basic Biology – Plantain distribution

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• キクイモ (Kikuimo / Jerusalem Artichoke)

• Food use: Popular in Europe for its sweet, nutty tubers rich in inulin.
  Michigan State University Extension – Jerusalem Artichoke

• In Japan: Widely naturalized and occasionally cultivated.
  NIES – Invasive Species Database (Helianthus tuberosus)

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• ニセアカシア (Nise Akashia / Black Locust — flowers only)

• Food use: In Europe, fragrant flowers are deep-fried as a spring delicacy; other parts are toxic.
  NC State Extension – Edible Flowers List

• In Japan: Widely naturalized; classified as an invasive tree.
  NIES – Invasive Species Database (Robinia pseudoacacia)

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• ハマナス (Hamanasu / Rosa Rugosa)

• Food use: In Europe and North America, hips and petals used for jams and teas.
  Missouri Botanical Garden – Rosa rugosa Profile

• In Japan: Native coastal species, especially along the Sea of Japan, but rarely eaten locally.
  Japanese Wikipedia – Hamanasu entry

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⚠️ Safety Notes

• Always ensure accurate identification — some edible species have poisonous look-alikes.

• Avoid roadsides, pesticide-treated areas, and pet paths.

• For Black Locust, only the flowers are edible; bark, leaves, and seeds are toxic.

• Jerusalem Artichoke contains inulin, which can cause bloating for sensitive individuals.