Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)

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

Hydrilla verticillata is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from May to October, and the seeds ripen from June to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Water. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

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

Grows in a variety of aquatic habitats, from acidic to basic, oligotrophic to eutrophic, fresh to brackish, and from a few centimeters deep to a meter or more if light penetrates that deeply. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)