Golden Club (Orontium aquaticum)

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

Orontium aquaticum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste like peas. — It must be soaked in cold water for some hours in order to remove an acrid taste.; The fresh root contains calcium oxalate and, when eaten raw, will produce an effect on the mouth similar to being pricked with hundreds of small needles.; As long as the root is well cooked the calcium oxalate is broken down and the root is perfectly safe to eat.; Drying the root also breaks down the calcium oxalate and makes the root safe to eat.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy, muddy or peaty shores and in shallow water. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)