It is true that most pond and aquatic plants are inedible to poisonous for humans and animals. However, there are also species that you can use as wild vegetables, salads or kitchen and medicinal herbs. This article tells you exactly which ones!
The leaves of the snake knotweed are edible
These plants from the garden pond are edible
- The young leaves and stalks of the snake knotweed (Polygonum bistorta) can be cooked like spinach.
- Also from the Bachbunge (Veronica beccabunga), often called Bach speedwell, you can use the young leaves and stalks as a raw vegetable salad or cook as a vegetable. Add other herbs (such as parsley) to neutralize the bitter taste a bit.
- Wild clove (Geum rivale) can be used in salads or cooked in salt water as a fine vegetable.
- You can use the young leaves of the watercress (Nasturtium officinale) for a spicy, slightly bitter-tasting salad. You can also cook the leaves as a vegetable. Watercress contains plenty of vitamin C.
- Buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata) is suitable as a tonic for fever, headaches and stomach weakness.
Important: In general, make sure to wash the leaves and stems of the plants thoroughly before eating them (or even before preparing them as a raw vegetable salad).
The plants mentioned are only examples. There are many more edible pond and aquatic plants.