European Water-Plantain

(Alisma plantago-aquatica)

European Water-Plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica)

Andrey Sdobnikov

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Andrey Sdobnikov

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Alisma plantago-aquatica, commonly known as European Water-Plantain, is a deciduous perennial herb native to shallow water areas of marshes, ponds, and slow-moving streams across Asia, Africa, and Europe. It typically grows to a height of up to 1 meter with a similar spread, featuring a rosette of basal leaves and a triangular stem. The leaves are long-stemmed, 15–30 cm in length, and the plant forms a fibrous root system. European Water-Plantain produces a branched inflorescence with numerous small flowers, each about 1 cm across, with three round or slightly jagged white or pale purple petals. The flowers are known to open in the afternoon and are present from June to August, offering a subtle beauty to its aquatic environment.

This plant is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in water gardens, pond margins, and bog gardens for its ornamental foliage and delicate flowers. It is also appreciated for its role in supporting aquatic ecosystems by providing habitat for wildlife. European Water-Plantain requires full sun to part shade, high moisture levels, and can tolerate standing or slow-moving water. It prefers soils with slow to standing drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, potentially becoming invasive in some areas outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 1-2 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
Flowering Season: Summer
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: High, Aquatic
Drainage: Standing, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Low Maintenance, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Shallow water areas of marshes, ponds, and slow-moving streams across Asia, Africa, and Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Water-Plantain, European Water Plantain, American Waterplantain, Vejbred-Skeblad, Gewöhnlicher Froschlöffel, Gemeiner Froschlöffel, Ratamosarpio, Alisma Plantain-D’Eau, Alisme Plantain D’Eau, Plantain D’Eau Commun

Scientific Names: , Alisma plantago-aquatica, Alisma plantago-aquatica var. plantago-aquatica, Alisma cordifolium, Alisma gluckii, Alisma jianshiensis, Alisma major, Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. latifolium,

GBIF Accepted Name: Alisma plantago-aquatica L.