Water Fern (Azolla pinnata)

Family: Azollaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Red Azolla is a small, floating fern - one of only six, free-floating, aquatic fern species. It grows from 1 cm to 2.5 cm wide and is a bright green colour. Its colour changes to deep red when it is exposed to the sun. Azolla grows in waterways in dense patches, which can look like a green or red carpet. From a distance it may be confused with Salvinia, a noxious aquatic weed, or the scum of a blue-green algal bloom.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Ponds and backwaters of rivers at elevations of 3 - 1,000 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)