Surf Grass, Scouler's surfgrass

Phyllospadix scouleri

Physical Characteristics

Phyllospadix scouleri is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from June to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Distribution

Western N. America - Alaska to California.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Root Edible Uses: Root - raw or cooked. Eaten in spring[61, 105, 118]. The entire plant, including the long salty-tasting leaves, were formed into square cakes and dried as a winter food by some native North American Indian tribes[256]. The leaves were occasionally cooked and eaten by some native North American Indian tribes[257].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known