Brookweed, Seaside brookweed
Samolus valerandi
Family: Primulaceae
What it is like
Samolus valerandi is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). 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 August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 0.3
Where it is found
Wet places, especially near the sea, also in shallow water, avoiding acid soils and shade.
Most regions of the world, including Britain, usually near the sea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Young leaves - raw or cooked. A rather bitter flavour.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves are antiscorbutic.
Antiscorbutic: A plant rich in vitamin C that is used to counteract scurvy.
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil in a wet position or in shallow water. Dislikes shade or acid soils.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in a cold frame in the spring, standing the pot in about 3cm of water. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and gradually increase the depth of water as the plants grow until it is level with the tops of the pots. Plant out in the summer if there has been sufficient growth, otherwise plant out in late spring of the following year. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist, wet, water