Water Purslane, Spatulaleaf loosestrife

Lythrum portula

Physical Characteristics

Lythrum portula is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Europe, incl Britain, mainly central and northern areas but not the Arctic, east to the Caucasus.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 105, 177].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known