Least Duckweed (Wolffia arrhiza)

Family: Lemnaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Wolffia arrhiza is an evergreen Perennial. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower all year, and the seeds ripen all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, they taste somewhat like a sweet cabbage. — An excellent flavour, they taste somewhat like a sweet cabbage.; The leaves are very nutritious, containing about 20% protein, 44% carbohydrate.; 5% fat and are rich in vitamins A, B2, B6, C and nicotinic acid.

Habitat & North American Range

Floating on quiet waters. A rare native of southern Britain, growing in still waters. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)