Bladderwort

Utricularia vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

Utricularia vulgaris is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Norway south and east to N. Africa, temperate Asia.

Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Drink Root[179]. No more details are given, but the root can be up to 1 metre long though it is rather thin. Another report says that this is a floating aquatic plant with submerged root-like capillary branches[7]. Leaves[179]. No more details are given. The juice of the plant is drunk for its rich mineral content[7].

Medicinal Uses

Diuretic Vulnerary The whole plant is mildly astringent, diuretic and vulnerary[7].It is used as a poultice on wounds[7].

Known Hazards

None known