Water Chickweed, Giantchickweed
Myosoton aquaticum

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

Myosoton aquaticum is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, bees. 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 prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Marshes, fens, streamsides, ditches and damp woods at low altitudes.

Europe, including Britain but excluding the Arctic, east through temperate Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young leaves and stems - cooked. Sweet and tender, they are very rich in minerals. A famine food that is only used in times of scarcity.

Medicine

Rating: 1

A decoction of the leaves is used as a galactogogue. The plant is used in the treatment of fistula.

Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

See details above on native habitat for ideas on the plants cultivation needs.

Propagating it: Seed - probably best sown in situ as soon as it is ripe.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Pond; Bog Garden;

Habit: Annual/Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet, water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cerastium aquaticum. Stellaria aquatica.