Common Nardoo (Marsilea drummondii)

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

Marsilea drummondii is a FERN growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Spores - cooked. A source of starch, the spores can be ground into a powder and used like flour. They are astringent and highly indigestible. The spores are contained in a sporocarp. — A source of starch, the spores can be ground into a powder and used like flour.; They are astringent and highly indigestible.; The spores are contained in a sporocarp.

Habitat & North American Range

Growing in mud and shallow water in the montane zone, spreading widely in all mainland states. (Zone 8)