Herb latin name: Caltha natans


Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)



Medicinal use of Caltha natans:

Used in the treatment of sore throats.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
May to
June

Habitat of the herb:

Pools and streams in N. America. Wet meadows, marshes and in water in China.

Edible parts of Caltha natans:

Root - cooked. A survival food, used when all else fails. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Flower buds - cooked. Added to stews etc or pickled as capers. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Young leaves - cooked. Best before the plant flowers. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame in late summer. Stand the pots in 2 - 3cm of water to keep the soil wet. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 15°C. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a tray of water in a cold frame until they are at least 15cm tall. Plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Division in early spring or autumn. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.

Cultivation of Caltha natans:

Pools and streams in N. America. Wet meadows, marshes and in water in China.

Known hazards of Caltha natans:

The whole plant, but especially the older portions, contains the toxic glycoside protoanemanin - this is destroyed by heat. The sap can irritate sensitive skin.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.