Herb: Hornwort


Latin name: Ceratophyllum demersum


Family: Ceratophyllaceae (Hornwort Family)



Medicinal use of Hornwort:

The plant is a cooling antiperiodic. It is useful in the treatment of biliousness and scorpion stings.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
July to
September

Habitat of the herb:

Ponds and ditches.

Edible parts of Hornwort:

Leaves. No further details are given.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - we have no details on this species but would suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe in early autumn in a greenhouse with the pot immersed in water. It is likely that the seed will quickly lose viability if allowed to dry out so if it is stored it should be kept cool in a container of water and then be sown in late winter. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a tray of water in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings in the growing season root easily. Plants propagate themselves naturally when scaly young shoots or winter buds separate from the main plant.

Cultivation of Hornwort:

Ponds and ditches.

Known hazards of Ceratophyllum demersum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.