Requires a wet soil or shallow water, preferring one that is base-rich. Dislikes shade. Plants have a spreading root system and can be very invasive.

Leaves and young shoots - raw or cooked. Used to make soups. They are best harvested from autumn to spring, even the brown overwintered stems in spring can be used.

Seed. We have no details on this species but suggest sowing it as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The plant spreads vegetatively so vigorously, however, that you probably won't have to worry about growing it from seed. Division in spring. Division is very easy and can be carried out at any time in the growing season. The divisions can be replanted direct into their permanent positions.

Pond margins, ditches etc, preferring base-rich water.