Bet you never thought that dollar weed was edible. This plant is often looked at as more of an invasive pest in Florida yards than something you find on the menu of a restaurant. It is usually grows on the wettest part of your lawn. It likes water.
Dollar Weed is small plant with only one shiny, very round, scalloped leaf that is about the size of an American silver dollar (hence the name). It's botanical name is Hydrocotyle bonariensis and it is also known as large leaf Pennywort.
It has an unique stem that grows from the center of the leaf down to the ground. In its raw form it is very crisp with a bit of a bitter aftertaste. The stems are a bit more bitter but the leaves. It can eaten raw in salads or cooked.
There are some look alike plants in Florida that have stems growing of the side of the leaf.
And like I said you can find it in practically every south Florida lawn. But before you eat it make sure it has not be sprayed with any chemicals.
If you are unsure seek out a wild food forager to get them to identify the wild version. You can also ask one of the many local farmers growing this plant for area restaurants how much they want for their domesticated dollar weed.
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| Dollar weed as seen from above Copyright 2019 by Helen A. Lockey |
Dollar Weed is small plant with only one shiny, very round, scalloped leaf that is about the size of an American silver dollar (hence the name). It's botanical name is Hydrocotyle bonariensis and it is also known as large leaf Pennywort.
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| Underside of dollar weed with stem growing out of center of leaf. Copyright 2019 by Helen A. Lockey |
It has an unique stem that grows from the center of the leaf down to the ground. In its raw form it is very crisp with a bit of a bitter aftertaste. The stems are a bit more bitter but the leaves. It can eaten raw in salads or cooked.
There are some look alike plants in Florida that have stems growing of the side of the leaf.
And like I said you can find it in practically every south Florida lawn. But before you eat it make sure it has not be sprayed with any chemicals.
If you are unsure seek out a wild food forager to get them to identify the wild version. You can also ask one of the many local farmers growing this plant for area restaurants how much they want for their domesticated dollar weed.
