Herb: Brookweed


Latin name: Samolus valerandi


Family: Primulaceae (Primrose Family)



Medicinal use of Brookweed:

The leaves are antiscorbutic.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
June to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Wet places, especially near the sea, also in shallow water, avoiding acid soils and shade.

Edible parts of Brookweed:

Young leaves - raw or cooked. A rather bitter flavour.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - surface sow in a cold frame in the spring, standing the pot in about 3cm of water. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and gradually increase the depth of water as the plants grow until it is level with the tops of the pots. Plant out in the summer if there has been sufficient growth, otherwise plant out in late spring of the following year. Division in spring.

Cultivation of Brookweed:

Wet places, especially near the sea, also in shallow water, avoiding acid soils and shade.

Known hazards of Samolus valerandi:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.