Virginian Stonecrop, Ditch stonecrop

Penthorum sedoides

Physical Characteristics

Penthorum sedoides is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

N. America - New Brunswick to Florida, west to Minnesota, Nebraska, Kansas and Texas.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked[257]. Used as a potherb[257].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Cholera Demulcent Laxative Tonic A tincture of the plant is somewhat astringent, demulcent, laxative and tonic[4, 61, 222]. The plant is noted for its effectiveness in treating catarrhal problems of many kinds and has also been used successfully in treating diarrhoea, haemorrhoids and infantile cholera[4]. The seeds have been used in making cough syrups[222, 257].

Known Hazards

None known