Water convolvulus (Ipomoea aquatica aka water spinach) (grow, grass, violet)

[psychofan]

This is an edible vegetable mainly cooked via stir-fry in asian dishes. It is exceptionally delicious when properly stir-fried. The plant is considered a 'noxious species' by the USDA due to its ability to rapidly grow (close to 4 inches a day) and expand in most environment. I believe it may be banned in Florida and partially banned in Texas (except in cases of cultivation for personal consumption). My question, which I can't seem to find an answer to, is what exactly is the legal status of this in Maryland? I would love to grow this veggie in planting boxes and pots on my balcony rather than paying $11-12 per plate at Chinese/Thai restaurants (Maryland/DC/Philly). Is there an actual source for these seeds (again, for personal consumption to be cultivated in planting pots and boxes on my balcony) ?

[FLPL75]

I would call your local extension office to see if it is on the invasive plant list for the area.

If it is not they may even have a source for the seeds

[kinkytoes]

Contact the MD dept of natural resources. As a person who spent quite a bit of time trying to help eradicate invasive species from some of my state's natural areas, I say don't do it. Even if the plant is not on the list for some reason, why grow a plant that could threaten our natural areas? I know, you like it But, why not grow another plant?

There are lots of really great plants that are edible and indigenous to our area. I think you might like cattail. It's being threatened by a poisonous non-native grass and used to be seen everywhere. It likes damp areas an is also edible. It has a really cool history as a food for the native Americans and early settlers. It may be a challenge to grow at home, but I think you would like it and enjoy the tasty shoots.

You can contact the DNR here:
Invasive & Exotic Species of Maryland (http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/invintro.asp - broken link)