John's Cabbage, Bluntleaf waterleaf

Hydrophyllum canadense

Physical Characteristics

Hydrophyllum canadense is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Vermont to New York, North Carolina, Ontario, Illinois and Kentucky.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[105, 177, 183]. A delicate potherb[183]. Only use when young, the leaves become bitter with age[159]. Root - cooked[2]. Only eaten in times of scarcity[161].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known