Common Mare’s Tail (Hippuris vulgaris)

Family: Hippuridaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Hippuris vulgaris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from June to July. 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. Used to make soups. They are best harvested from autumn to spring, even the brown overwintered stems in spring can be used. — Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked.; Used to make soups.; They are best harvested from autumn to spring, even the brown overwintered stems in spring can be used.

Habitat & North American Range

Pond margins, ditches etc, preferring base-rich water. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)