Deer Grass, Handsome Harry

Rhexia virginica

Basic Information

Family: Melastomataceae

Genus: rhexia

Plant ID (slug): rhexia-virginica

Numeric ID: 24143

USDA Hardiness: 3-7

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Rhexia virginica is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Maine to Ontario, south to Florida, Missouri and Louisiana.

Habitats

Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Drink Leaves - raw or cooked[105]. A sweetish slightly acid taste[106, 183, K]. It makes a pleasant salad[183]. Roots - raw. They can be chopped and added to salads or used as a pleasant nut-like nibble[183]. A sour drink is made from the leaves and stems[257].

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany A tea made from the leaves and stems is used as a throat cleaner[257].