Surf Grass (Phyllospadix scouleri)

Family: Zosteraceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Phyllospadix scouleri is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

tasting leaves, were formed into square cakes and dried as a winter food by some native North American Indian tribes. — Root - raw or cooked.; The entire plant, including the long salty-tasting leaves, were formed into square cakes and dried as a winter food by some native North American Indian tribes.; The leaves were occasionally cooked and eaten by some native North American Indian tribes.

Habitat & North American Range

Intertidal and sub-tidal levels on the Pacific coast. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)