Alisma canaliculatum

Physical Characteristics

Alisma canaliculatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. 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. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

E. Asia - S. China, Japan.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young plants - cooked. Used in soups[177]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this plant, the fresh leaves and roots of the closely related A. plantago-aquatica are poisonous, though the toxins are destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant[[13, 46].