Herb: Surf Grass


Latin name: Phyllospadix scouleri


Family: Zosteraceae (Eel-Grass Family)



Edible parts of Surf Grass:

Root - raw or cooked. Eaten in spring. The entire plant, including the long salty-tasting leaves, were formed into square cakes and dried as a winter food by some native North American Indian tribes. The leaves were occasionally cooked and eaten by some native North American Indian tribes.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Intertidal and sub-tidal levels on the Pacific coast.

Propagation of Surf Grass:

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed as soon as it is ripe if this is possible in a greenhouse and perhaps adding some salt to the soil. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on 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.

Cultivation of the herb:

Intertidal and sub-tidal levels on the Pacific coast.

Medicinal use of Surf Grass:

None known

Known hazards of Phyllospadix scouleri:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.