Water WhirlGrass (Catabrosa aquatica)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Catabrosa aquatica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed. No more information is given, but the seed is very small and fiddly to use. — No more information is given, but the seed is very small and fiddly to use.; It would probably have been used as piñole or have been ground into a powder and used as a mush, as a thickener in soups and stews, or in making cakes, bread etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Shallow streams and ditches, at the muddy margins of ponds and in wet sandy places near the sea all over Britain. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)