Waterleaf
Decemium appendiculatum

Family: Hydrophyllaceae

What it is like

Decemium appendiculatum is a BIENNIAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in). It is in flower from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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). It prefers moist or wet soil.

Height (m): 0.4

Where it is found

Rich woods.

Eastern N. America - Ontario to New York, North Carolina, Minnesota and Kansas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young shoots - raw.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a damp position. Prefers a little light shade and a sheltered position.

Propagating it: Seed - sow April to June in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 18°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the autumn. The seed can also be sown in situ in late spring and thinned to 15cm apart.

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

Habit: Biennial/Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Hydrophyllum appendiculatum. Michx.