Common Marestail, Common mare's-tail

Hippuris vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

Hippuris vulgaris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. 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, south and east to N. Africa, western and northern Asia.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked[46, 61, 85, 257]. Used to make soups[257]. They are best harvested from autumn to spring, even the brown overwintered stems in spring can be used[172].

Medicinal Uses

Vulnerary The whole plant is an effective vulnerary, the juice being taken internally or applied externally[4, 172].

Known Hazards

None known