Hippuris vulgaris - Common Marestail

Family:	Hippuridaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.5
Synonyms:	H. tetraphylla.
Range:	Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa, western and northern Asia.

Hippuris vulgaris (Common Marestail) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.5m . It has a hardness rating of 0.
Common Marestail will flower in December to January. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Wind

Soil Information

Common Marestail will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Common Marestail prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Common Marestail should not be planted in shady areas.

Pond margins, ditches etc, preferring base-rich water[17].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Is a pond plant
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

Requires a wet soil or shallow water, preferring one that is base-rich[17]. Dislikes shade. Plants have a spreading root system and can be very invasive[1].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked[46, 61, 85, 257]. Used to make soups[257]. They are best harvested from autumn to spring, even the brown overwintered stems in spring can be used[172].

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The whole plant is an effective vulnerary, the juice being taken internally or applied externally[4, 172].

• Vulnerary - Promotes the healing of wounds.

Propagation

Seed. We have no details on this species but suggest sowing it as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The plant spreads vegetatively so vigorously, however, that you probably won't have to worry about growing it from seed. Division in spring. Division is very easy and can be carried out at any time in the growing season. The divisions can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

None known

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.