Ricefield waternymph
Najas graminea
Family: Najadaceae
What it is like
Najas graminea is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Water. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It can grow in water.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Ponds, paddy fields, usually in still or slowly-moving waters. Rice fields and ditches. Found in one pond in Britain that is warmed by industrial outflow.
S. Europe to E. Asia. Naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Two reports say that the plant is edible but give no more details. The reports probably refer to the leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
A water plant, succeeding in shallow fresh or brackish water. This is one of the few genera of plants where fertilization takes place under the surface of the water.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in situ as soon as it is ripe if this is possible. Otherwise store the seed in water in a cool place and sow in situ in the spring.
Best place to grow: Pond;
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Water