natural herbs
Cat's Breeches
Hydrophyllum capitatum
Herb: Cat's Breeches
Latin name: Hydrophyllum capitatum
Family: Hydrophyllaceae (Waterleaf Family)
Edible parts of Cat's Breeches:
Tender young shoots - cooked as a potherb. Root - cooked. Large and fleshy.Description of the plant:
Plant:
PerennialHeight:
50 cm(1 foot)
Habitat of the herb:
Rich moist soils, most often in the shade, from valleys to around 2,700 metres.Propagation of Cat's Breeches:
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in early spring. Sow stored seed as early in the year as possible. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in 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 spring.Cultivation of the herb:
Rich moist soils, most often in the shade, from valleys to around 2,700 metres.Medicinal use of Cat's Breeches:
None knownKnown hazards of Hydrophyllum capitatum:
None knownPlant information taken from the Plants For A Future.