Hornwort, Coon's tail

Ceratophyllum demersum

Physical Characteristics

Ceratophyllum demersum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to September. 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 Water. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Most of Europe, including Britain, but absent from the Arctic.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves[105, 177]. No further details are given.

Medicinal Uses

Antiperiodic Stings The plant is a cooling antiperiodic[240]. It is useful in the treatment of biliousness and scorpion stings[240].

Known Hazards

None known