Northern Water Plantain
(Alisma triviale)
Northern Water Plantain (Alisma triviale)
/
/
icosahedron
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
icosahedron
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: icosahedron | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: icosahedron | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-04-28T13:24:18-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Alisma triviale, commonly known as Northern Water Plantain, is a perennial semi-aquatic or aquatic herb native to shallow water in marshes, along the edges of ponds and lakes, and in slow-moving streams across much of the USA and scattered areas of Canada. It typically ranges in height from 1-3 feet. The plant forms a clump of long-petioled, lanceolate to linear leaves, from which a flowering stem rises. The inflorescence bears numerous small flowers with three green sepals and three white or pink-tinged petals that bloom in the summer. The flowers are modest in appearance but can add a delicate texture to water garden settings.
Northern Water Plantain is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in water gardens, rain gardens, and for naturalizing in wetlands. It provides habitat and food for wildlife, particularly for waterfowl. This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and requires high amounts of water, often growing in standing or slow-moving water. It is adaptable to various soil types, provided they are wet. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread quickly and may need to be managed to prevent it from becoming too invasive in a garden setting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Northern Water Plantain is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in water gardens, rain gardens, and for naturalizing in wetlands. It provides habitat and food for wildlife, particularly for waterfowl. This plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade and requires high amounts of water, often growing in standing or slow-moving water. It is adaptable to various soil types, provided they are wet. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread quickly and may need to be managed to prevent it from becoming too invasive in a garden setting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: High
- Drainage: Slow, Standing
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Shallow water in marshes, pond edges, and slow-moving streams
Other Names
Common Names: European Water Plantain , Northern Water-Plantain , Alisma Commun
Scientific Names: Alisma triviale , Alisma plantago-aquatica var. americanum , Alisma plantago-aquatica var. brevipes , Alisma brevipes , Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. brevipes , Alisma subcordatum var. superbum , Alisma odoratum , Alisma plantago-aquatica var. triviale , Alisma roseum , Alisma superbum
GBIF Accepted Name: Alisma triviale Pursh