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Catabrosa aquatica - (L.)Beauv.

Water WhirlGrass

Author	(L.)Beauv.	Botanical references	17
Family	Gramineae	Genus	Catabrosa
Synonyms	Glyceria aquatica - L.
Known Hazards	None known
Range	Most of Europe, including Britain but absent in Spain and Portugal, N. and W. Asia, Algeria.
Habitat	Shallow streams and ditches, at the muddy margins of ponds and in wet sandy places near the sea all over Britain[17].
Edibility Rating	1 (1-5)	Medicinal Rating	1 (1-5)

Physical Characteristics

Perennial growing to 0.7m.

The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires wet soil and can grow in water.

Habitats

Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Seed[257]. No more information is given, but the seed is very small and fiddly to use. It would probably have been used as piņole or have been ground into a powder and used as a mush, as a thickener in soups and stews, or in making cakes, bread etc[K].

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.

A decoction of the plant has been used as a stimulant and tonic[257].

Other Uses

The plant has been burnt as an incense[257].

Cultivation details

We have no information on this, though judging by the plants native habitat it requires a wet soil and also succeeds in shallow water. It will also probably require a fairly sunny position[K].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in the spring in a pot standing in shallow water. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in the spring. The divisions can be planted direct into their permanent positions.

Links

References

[K] Ken Fern
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.

[17] Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962
A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.

[257] Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Very comprehensive but terse guide to the native uses of plants. Excellent bibliography, fully referenced to each plant, giving a pathway to further information. Not for the casual reader.

Readers Comments

Plants for a Future does not verify the accuracy of reader comments, use at your own risk. In particular Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. You should always consult a professional before using plants medicinally.

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