Waterleaf
Decemium appendiculatum
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Pl. 95CD — Decemium appendiculatum
Decemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatumDecemium appendiculatum
IOverview
Overview
Waterleaf (Decemium appendiculatum) is a biennial or perennial forb/herb native to the eastern and midwestern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia. It thrives in moist, wet environments with light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils and prefers partial sun to shade. Known for its edible leaves and shoots, this plant is both ornamental and useful as a food source. One distinctive feature of waterleaf is its ability to grow up to 0.4 meters in height, making it a notable addition to wetland gardens or naturalized areas where it can provide both beauty and sustenance.
Quick answers
What is Waterleaf?
Waterleaf (Decemium appendiculatum) is a biennial or perennial forb/herb native to the eastern and midwestern United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Waterleaf thrives in partial sun to shade and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can grow up to 0.4 meters tall and is either biennial or perennial. This plant is hardy in temperate regions and is native to several states including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and West Virginia. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or division of established plants. Harvest edible leaves and shoots for culinary use.
Light
Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Life cycle
Biennial, Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.4 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Waterleaf for the first time
8steps
Start with Waterleaf by ensuring you have the right conditions and care, making it a simple addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small patch of moist soil in partial sun or shade, and some seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Waterleaf in early spring or late summer for the best growth.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) with good drainage. Containers should be at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1-2 cm deep in the ground or transplant young plants into prepared soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist and provide light shade if direct sunlight is strong.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead leaves or stems to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting regular pruning, not providing enough space for growth, and using unsuitable soil types.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The waterleaf plant is edible and its leaves and shoots can be consumed raw or cooked. Typically, they are prepared in salads for a fresh taste or steamed as a side dish to add nutrition to meals.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
19 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
19 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 19 native
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Arkansas, West Virginia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 95cd1a75-3849-4cde-a08b-71f8fd3a8c36
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