The rhizomes (thickened stem bases) are edible when cooked. Like other water plantains, the rhizomes are short, thick, and starchy, though they may carry an acrid undertone if eaten raw. Cooking removes much of the bitterness and makes them mild and palatable. They can be roasted, dried, or ground into flour [2-3]. Other parts (leaves, stalks, roots) are not documented as edible, and given their fibrous, spongy texture, they are unlikely to provide food value [2-3]. Edible Uses & Rating: As with allied species, the rhizomes/tuberous bases and seeds are the potential edibles, always well-cooked. Because of limited bulk, difficulty of harvest, and safety precautions, this species rates 2/5 for edibility. Taste, Processing & Kitchen Notes: Properly leached and boiled rhizomes can yield a mild, starchy, somewhat nutty or bland food; inadequately cooked material can be peppery or acrid and irritate the mouth and gut. Seeds, if collected in quantity, can be parched and ground, but are tiny. Seasonality (Phenology): Growth begins in spring with warming water; flowering usually occurs in summer; seeds are produced in late summer to early autumn. Underground parts are technically available year-round, but easiest to access at low water. Safety & Cautions (Food Use): Raw tissues contain acrid, potentially irritant compounds; must be thoroughly cooked, often with a change of water. Harvest only from clean wetlands free of contamination. Harvest & Processing Workflow: Dig rhizomes in late season; peel if needed; slice and boil in ample water, discarding the first water if peppery. Seeds can be stripped from mature heads, dried, and ground, but yield is low. Look-Alikes & Confusion Risks: Can be confused with young grasses or sedges from a distance; confirmed by Alisma’s three-petaled flowers and characteristic fruiting heads. Traditional/Indigenous Use Summary: Related water-plantains were widely used as cooked starch sources in Eurasia and North America. A. gramineum likely shared similar occasional use where abundant.

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None Known

A minor wetland starch plant: ecologically more important than culinarily, yet historically relevant as emergency food. It can be grown in containers or pond margins. Ecology & Wildlife: Provides cover and structure in shallow-water zones; seeds and periphyton support invertebrates and some waterfowl. Flowers are visited by small flies and bees, but some pollination may be autogamous.

Special Uses