Alisma canaliculatum

Family: Alismataceae

What it is like

Alisma canaliculatum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Height (m): 0.8

Where it is found

Wet places all over Japan. Margin of lakes, ponds, marshes and streams in China.

E. Asia - S. China, Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young plants - cooked. Used in soups. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in a sunny position in boggy ground or shallow water up to 25cm deep.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Place the pot in about 3cm of water to keep the soil wet. Pot up the seedlings when large enough to handle and keep in the cold frame for the first winter, planting out in late spring. Division in spring or autumn. Fairly easy, the divisions can be planted straight out into their permanent positions.

Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Wet, water

Things to keep in mind

Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this plant, the fresh leaves and roots of the closely related A. plantago-aquatica are poisonous, though the toxins are destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. plantago angustifolium. non Kunth. A. plantago canaliculatum.