Flowering Rush

Butomus umbellatus

Physical Characteristics

Butomus umbellatus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). 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

Most of Europe, including Britain, and temperate Asia.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Seed Edible Uses: Tuber - cooked[5, 46, 61, 100, 177]. It should be peeled and the rootlets removed[179]. The root can also be dried and ground into a powder[179], it can then be used as a thickener in soups etc, or be added to cereal flours when making bread[2]. It contains more than 50% starch[13]. Seed[1, 2, 5, 177]. No more details are given, but the seed is very small and fiddly to use[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known