Small Reed Mace (Typha angustifolia)

Family: Typhaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Typha angustifolia is a PERENNIAL growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to July. 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 Wind. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers, Flowers, Pollen

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet syrup. — Roots - raw or cooked.; They can be boiled and eaten like potatoes or macerated and then boiled to yield a sweet syrup.; The roots can also be dried, ground into a powder and then used as a thickener in soups etc or added to cereal flours.; Rich in protein, this powder is used to make biscuits etc.

Habitat & North American Range

Water up to 15cm deep, avoiding acid conditions. Often somewhat brackish or subsaline water or wet soil in America, growing from sea level to elevations of 1900 metres. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)