Duckweed, Common duckweed

Lemna minor

Physical Characteristics

Lemna minor is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to July. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Distribution

A cosmopolitan plant, found in most regions of the world, including Britain, absent from Tropics.

Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Occasionally used as a vegetable[183]. No further details are given but we have found the flavour to be less than desirable[K].

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Antirheumatic Antiscorbutic Astringent Depurative Diuretic Febrifuge Homeopathy Ophthalmic Sedative Skin The whole plant is alterative, antipruritic, antiscorbutic, astringent, depurative, diuretic, febrifuge and soporific[176, 178, 240]. It is used in the treatment of colds, measles, oedema and difficulty in urination[176]. It is applied externally in the treatment of skin diseases and is used as a wash for ophthalmia[240]. The plant is used in homeopathy[240], but the report gives no more details.

Known Hazards

None known