The Temperate Database is in the process of being updated, with new records being added and old ones being checked and brought up to date where necessary. This record has not yet been checked and updated.

Common Name: Water Mat

General Information

Chrysosplenium americanum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.10 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Central and Western N. America - Quebec to Minnesota, south to Nova Scotia and Montana.

Habitat

Acid soils[] in springheads, rills and cold wet places[]

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Beetles, Flies, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils if they are moist. Requires a constantly wet but well-drained soil[]. Prefers acid soils[]. Prefers a shady position, succeeding in woodland.

Edible Uses

Used as a spice in salads[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The plants creeping habit makes it a good ground cover for the bog garden[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame. Stand the pot in 2cm of water. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a tray of water in the cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring. 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 light shade in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.