SafePlants

Water-Plantain (Alisma species)

Water-plantains belong to the genus Alisma, a group of aquatic flowering plants within the family Alismataceae. These plants are often found in wetland environments.

Considerations for Pets

• Some water-plantain species have rhizomatous stems.
• The text mentions the presence of tubers.
• Note that "Remove the seed heads to avoid prolific self seeding!".

Considerations for Children

• Some water-plantain species have rhizomatous stems.
• The text mentions the presence of tubers.
• Note that "Remove the seed heads to avoid prolific self seeding!".

Common Names

• Common Water-plantain
• European Water Plantain
• Great Water Plantain
• Mad-dog Weed
• American Water Plantain
• Northern Water Plantain

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Alisma
• Family: Alismataceae
• Synonyms: The text mentions that Alisma triviale Pursh is also called Alisma plantago-aquatica L. by American botanists.

Distribution and Habitat

• Water-plantains are commonly found in shallow water, along muddy banks of slow-moving watercourses, wetlands, streams, rice fields, wild rice fields, and ponds.
• Alisma plantago-aquatica is widely distributed in North America and can be found throughout the entire U.S. with the exception of some areas.
• Specific locations mentioned include Little River (habitat of Kral's Water Plantain) and peaty, calcareous bogs and ponds (habitat of Lesser Water-plantain).

Morphological Characteristics

• Water-plantains are long-stalked, tall, aquatic plants, often growing up to 1 meter high.
• They have rhizomatous stems that support floating or emergent leaves.
• Leaves are generally oval or elliptic and can be lanceolate to oval, pointed, with a truncate, or rather heart-shaped base.
• The basal leaves can form a rosette, reaching about one foot tall.
• Flowers are delicate white, pale pink, or lilac, opening in late afternoon and closing at dusk. Each flower has three dainty petals.

Quirky Facts

• Alisma plantago-aquatica flowers open in the late afternoon and close again at dusk.
• The water plantain produces edible tubers.
• The Oriental Water Plantain Rhizome (ze xie) is used in herbal medicine and is said to act on the kidney.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lesser water-plantain often grows in combination with other plant species.

Further Information

• ARKive (mentioned for photos and facts)
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• WebMD
• Conserving Natura 2000 Rivers. Ecology Series No. 9. RV Lansdown &amp PM Wade
• Chester Zoo (Mackays Horsetail and Floating Water Plantain Conservation Programme)