Herb: Water Mat


Latin name: Chrysosplenium americanum


Family: Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)



Edible parts of Water Mat:

Used as a spice in salads.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
10 cm
(4 inches)

Flowering:
April
to May

Habitat of the herb:

Acid soils in springheads, rills and cold wet places

Other uses of Water Mat:

The plants creeping habit makes it a good ground cover for the bog garden.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame. Stand the pot in 2cm of water. 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 cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring. 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 light shade in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.

Cultivation of Water Mat:

Acid soils in springheads, rills and cold wet places

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Chrysosplenium americanum:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.