General Species Description
- Perennial native emergent forb. The flowering heads rise quite highly above the basal oblong/oval leaves on a tall, thin scape. Many white, pink, or purple flowers on whorled branches. This plant has no true stem, the flower stalk arises from an underground corm.
Leaves
- Usually oblong/oval and slightly heart-shaped, or may be lance-like, born on petioles that are 15-50 cm long. Leaves can be 3-15 cm wide with veining pattern similar to that of other plantago's.
Inflorescence/Flowers
- The American Water Plantain's flowers are small, clustered at the top of a tall, thin scape. They arise from whorled branches and have three, 1-4 mm petals each. The petals can be varied in color ranging from white to pink to dark purple. Blooms from July through August.
Fruits
- Achenes are 2-2.5 cm long, have two lateral ridges and a central groove along the back.
Habitat
- This plant enjoys wet meadows, shallow or deep marshes and swamps, and muddy substrates beside lakeshores. Can also be found in wet ditches. Along with Alisma plantago-aquatica, you may find Typha latifolia and any of the rushes (Juncus spp.).
Range
- Can be found in many countries as well as throughout the United States.
Similar Species
- Alisma gramineum is similar, but has narrower leaves, usually no more than 5 mm wide, and they are held stiffly above the water.
Ecological Value
- The leaves generate shade for small fish, and the seeds are eaten by waterfowl.
Human Value
- These plants have been known to be used as educational aids in a variety of Environmental Sciences classes, especially wetland plant identification classes :-)
References
- Guard, B. J., ed. 1995. Wetland Plants of Oregon & Washington. Lone Star Publishing, Richmond, WA, 72pp. Website: http://plants.usda.gov/plants/fr_mapgen.cgi, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center.
This page was created by: Brook Holter, August 1999
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Oregon's Wetland Plants