Thin-Leaf Brookweed, seaside brookweed
Samolus valerandi parviflorus

Family: Primulaceae

What it is like

Samolus valerandi parviflorus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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): 0.4

Where it is found

Shallow water and wet soils. Along creeks, ditches and seepage areas in Texas.

Southern N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves - raw or cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil in a wet position or in shallow water. Dislikes shade or acid soils. This species is very closely related to Samolus valerandi, and is seen as no more than a sub-species by some botanists.

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:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist, wet, water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Samolus parviflorus (Raf.). Samolus floribundus, (Kunth)