American Water-Plantain
ExplorePlants
American Water-Plantain
alisma subcordatum
The American Water-Plantain has beautiful, broad leaves that float on the water's surface. It produces lovely white flowers that attract many curious insects!
Habitat: Shallow waters, wetlands, and along lakeshores
Appearance
The American Water-Plantain has long, elliptical green leaves that often float on or emerge from water. Its tall stalks display airy clusters of small, three-petaled white or pale pink flowers, each with a bright yellow center, making it distinct from many common pond plants.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAlismatalesFamilyAlismataceaeGenusAlisma
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Each delicate flower opens for only one morning, then wilts by the afternoon!
Its scientific name, Alisma, means 'water plant' in ancient Greek!
Native Americans sometimes ate its roots after carefully boiling or drying them!
This plant can help clean water by absorbing extra nutrients from its environment!
Special abilities
Ability
Water-Dweller
American Water-Plantain has specialized roots that anchor it firmly in mucky pond bottoms, helping it thrive in aquatic environments.
Ability
Leaf Lifter
Its broad, buoyant leaves can float on the water's surface, allowing it to capture sunlight even in murky conditions.
Ability
Seed Spreader
This plant produces many tiny seeds that can float, allowing water currents to carry them far and wide.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 20-100 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Mild
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.
pollinates
Common eastern bumble bee
Bombus impatiens
Important pollinator of its small flowers.
eaten by
Mallard duck
Anas platyrhynchos
Ducks sometimes consume its seeds.
shelters
American bullfrog
Rana catesbeiana
Provides cover and habitat in shallow waters.
Traits
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
AlismaBroadleaf Water PlantainWater Plantain
Collections
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is American Water-Plantain?
20-100 cm
How big are the flowers on American Water-Plantain?
0.5-1 cm
When does American Water-Plantain bloom?
Summer
Is American Water-Plantain edible?
No
Is American Water-Plantain toxic?
Mild
What is American Water-Plantain's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is American Water-Plantain pollinated?
Insect
Where is American Water-Plantain usually found?
Shallow waters, wetlands, and along lakeshores
Snap Map
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