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(Alisma subcordatum)
American Water Plantain (Alisma subcordatum)
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Michael Ellis
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Michael Ellis
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Michael Ellis | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Michael Ellis | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-04-26T20:13:38Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Alisma subcordatum, commonly known as American Water Plantain, is a deciduous perennial herb that thrives in wetland habitats such as marshes, shallow ponds, and slow-moving streams in Central and Eastern USA, as well as Ontario and Quebec. It typically grows to about 3 feet (1 meter) in height, with lanceolate to oval-shaped leaves that emerge from bulbous corms with fibrous roots. The leaves that form underwater are transient and prone to decay; mature plants usually feature aerial leaves. From June to September, American Water Plantain produces a branched inflorescence bearing white to pink 3-petaled flowers that are modest in size but can be quite numerous, adding a delicate texture to wetland plantings.
This species is valued for its ability to colonize and stabilize muddy banks, making it useful for water garden settings and naturalized pond edges. It is also appreciated for its wildlife benefits, as the seeds provide food for waterfowl and upland birds. Historically, Native Americans consumed the dried rhizomes. For successful cultivation, American Water Plantain requires full sun to part shade, abundant water, and soil with medium to slow drainage. While it is not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, so care should be taken to manage its growth in smaller water features.CC BY-SA 4.0
This species is valued for its ability to colonize and stabilize muddy banks, making it useful for water garden settings and naturalized pond edges. It is also appreciated for its wildlife benefits, as the seeds provide food for waterfowl and upland birds. Historically, Native Americans consumed the dried rhizomes. For successful cultivation, American Water Plantain requires full sun to part shade, abundant water, and soil with medium to slow drainage. While it is not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, so care should be taken to manage its growth in smaller water features.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetland habitats such as marshes, shallow ponds, and slow-moving streams
Other Names
Common Names: Southern Water Plantain, Waterplaintain, Southern Water-Plantain, Broad-Leaved Water-Plantain, Small Water-Plantain, Alisma Subcorde, Alisma Subcordé, Amerikansk Svalting
Scientific Names: , Alisma subcordatum, Alisma parviflorum, Alisma plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum, Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. subcordatum, Alisma montanum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Alisma subcordatum Raf.