Eel Grass

Vallisneria spiralis

Physical Characteristics

Vallisneria spiralis is an evergreen Perennial. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Water. The plant is not self-fertile. 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 can grow in water.

Distribution

Southern Europe, north to France south to the tropics. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Young leaves - raw[46, 61, 105]. The dried leaves contain 14.1% ash, 1154mg calcium, 3205mg phosphorus and 141mg iron per 100g[218].

Medicinal Uses

Appetizer Demulcent Refrigerant Stomachic Women's complaints The plant is aperitif, demulcent, refrigerant, stomachic and is also used in the treatment of women's complaints[178, 218, 240]. The plant is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea[178, 218] and is made into a tea with Sesame (Sesamum indicum) to improve the appetite[218].

Known Hazards

None known