Sea Arrow Grass
Triglochin maritima

Family: Juncaginaceae

What it is like

Triglochin maritima is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. 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: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Salt marshes and grassy places near the sea.

Europe, including Britain, from the Arctic south and east to N. Africa, W. and N. Asia. N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The white base of the leaf stem can be eaten raw or cooked. Best harvested in late spring, the white base has a pleasant mild sweet taste, somewhat like cucumber. An unpleasant odour is produced whilst the plant is being cooked. The green parts of the plant should not be eaten since they can contain a toxin. Only the bases of leaf stems should be used, and not the bases of flowering stems. See notes at top of the page. Seed - parched and ground into a powder. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 0

The ashes of the plant are rich in potassium and can be used in making soap.

Soap making: Plants used as an ingredient in making soaps. Does not include the essential oils, dyes and oils that are also used in making soap.

How it is grown

Succeeds in shallow water or a bog garden. Possibly requires saline conditions.

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible. Stand the pots in about 2cm of water. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is best to pot up smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse or cold frame until they are growing away well. Plant them out in the summer or the following spring.

Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Wet, water

Things to keep in mind

The green leaves of plants can contain a toxic cyanogenic glycoside, it is especially present during and just after a drought and is particularly toxic to ruminants. Plants growing in Britain are usually perfectly safe, this is probably due to the climate.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Triglochin elata. Triglochin elatum. Triglochin maritimum