Sea Arrow Grass

Triglochin maritima

Physical Characteristics

Triglochin maritima is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). 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 October. 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: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from the Arctic south and east to N. Africa, W. and N. Asia. N. America.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Stem Edible Uses: Coffee The white base of the leaf stem can be eaten raw or cooked[46, 61, 85, 103]. Best harvested in late spring, the white base has a pleasant mild sweet taste, somewhat like cucumber[256]. An unpleasant odour is produced whilst the plant is being cooked[74]. The green parts of the plant should not be eaten since they can contain a toxin[172]. Only the bases of leaf stems should be used, and not the bases of flowering stems[256]. See notes at top of the page. Seed - parched and ground into a powder[85, 105, 161, 172, 257]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[161, 172, 212].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

The green leaves of plants can contain a toxic cyanogenic glycoside, it is especially present during and just after a drought and is particularly toxic to ruminants[76, 85]. Plants growing in Britain are usually perfectly safe, this is probably due to the climate[76].