Annual Wildrice
(Zizania aquatica)
Annual Wildrice (Zizania aquatica)
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mfeaver
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
mfeaver
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: mfeaver | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: mfeaver | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-14T08:26:01-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Zizania aquatica, commonly known as Annual Wildrice, is an annual grass native to freshwater marshes, along the edges of ponds and lakes, and in slow-flowing streams of the Central and Eastern USA and Southern Canada. It can reach a height of 7-11 feet (2.1-3.4 meters) with a relatively narrow spread of about 0.7 feet (0.2 meters). This plant is notable for its tall stature and the distinctive flowering heads that emerge above the water’s surface. The flowers are typically greenish to purplish and bloom in late summer, providing an important food source for wildlife.
Annual Wildrice is valued for its natural beauty in water garden settings and its ecological role in supporting aquatic ecosystems. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It requires a consistent supply of water and can grow in a variety of soil types, from fast to slow-draining. The plant is often used for habitat restoration and erosion control due to its robust root system. While it is not commonly grown for commercial grain production, the seeds are a traditional food source for Indigenous peoples and are sought after by wildlife, including ducks and other birds.CC BY-SA 4.0
Annual Wildrice is valued for its natural beauty in water garden settings and its ecological role in supporting aquatic ecosystems. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It requires a consistent supply of water and can grow in a variety of soil types, from fast to slow-draining. The plant is often used for habitat restoration and erosion control due to its robust root system. While it is not commonly grown for commercial grain production, the seeds are a traditional food source for Indigenous peoples and are sought after by wildlife, including ducks and other birds.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 7-10 feet
- Width: 3-0.7 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: High
- Drainage: Standing
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Freshwater marshes, edges of ponds and lakes, and slow-flowing streams
Other Names
Common Names: Indian Wildrice , Eastern Wildrice , Southern Wildrice , Wildrice , Folle Avoine , Riz Sauvage , Zizanie Aquatique , Zizanie À Fleurs Blanches , Indianris , Canadian Wild Rice , Zizânia
Scientific Names: Zizania aquatica , Ceratochaete aquatica , Zizania aquatica subsp. aquatica
GBIF Accepted Name: Zizania aquatica L.