Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus)

Family: Butomaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Butomus umbellatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Tuber - cooked. It should be peeled and the rootlets removed. The root can also be dried and ground into a powder, it can then be used as a thickener in soups etc, or be added to cereal flours when making bread. — It should be peeled and the rootlets removed.; The root can also be dried and ground into a powder, it can then be used as a thickener in soups etc, or be added to cereal flours when making bread.; It contains more than 50% starch.; No more details are given, but the seed is very small and fiddly to use.

Habitat & North American Range

Pond margins, ditches and canals, avoiding shade. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)