Common Marestail, Common mare's-tail
Hippuris vulgaris

Family: Hippuridaceae

What it is like

Hippuris vulgaris is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. 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): 0.5

Where it is found

Pond margins, ditches etc, preferring base-rich water.

Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa, western and northern Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. Used to make soups. They are best harvested from autumn to spring, even the brown overwintered stems in spring can be used.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The whole plant is an effective vulnerary, the juice being taken internally or applied externally.

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

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

Propagating it: 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.

Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Wet, water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

H. tetraphylla.