Sparganium longifolium

Turcz.

Bur-Reed

Typhaceae Edible: Seeds 7 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Sparganium longifolium is a perennial with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by wind. It adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges. The plant grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers wet soils or shallow water habitats.

Description

Edible Uses

The seed is edible when cooked — it should be husked and well boiled before eating.

Traditional Uses

The seeds are husked, well- boiled, and eaten with oil and salt.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, China,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. This species does not appear in the first draft of the Flora of China and so it needs further investigation. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. A plant of wet ground, it should be grown in a bog garden or in shallow water up to 30cm deep. Requires a rich soil. Tolerates some shade.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in pots in a greenhouse stood in 2–3cm of water. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, gradually increasing the water depth as they grow until it reaches roughly the top of the pots. Plant out in summer if growth is sufficient, otherwise in the following spring. Divide plants in spring or autumn — larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions, while smaller ones are best potted up and grown on in a lightly shaded cold frame, then planted out once well established in summer.