Water Purslane, Spatulaleaf loosestrife
Lythrum portula

Family: Lythraceae

What it is like

Lythrum portula is a ANNUAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers wet soil and can grow in water.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Muddy margins of pools and puddles, but not in calcareous soils.

Europe, incl Britain, mainly central and northern areas but not the Arctic, east to the Caucasus.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Leaves - raw or cooked.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a wet soil. Dislikes alkaline soils. This species was formerly cultivated for its edible leaves. A prostrate plant, the stem rooting as it creeps along the ground.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring or early autumn in situ.

Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Wet, water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Peplis portula.