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Alisma triviale: Northern Water Plantain

Alisma triviale, commonly known as Northern Water Plantain, is a perennial semi-aquatic or aquatic plant belonging to the Water-plantain family (Alismataceae).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Alisma triviale Pursh
• Common Names: Northern Water Plantain, Large-flowered Water Plantain
• Family: Alismataceae (Water-Plantain Family)
• Synonyms: Alisma brevipes, Alisma plantago-aquatica ssp. brevipes, Alisma parviflorum, Alisma subcordatum, Alisma plantago-aquatica, Alisma commun, Alisma plantago-aquatica Linnaeus var. americanum

Distribution and Habitat

Northern Water Plantain is widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Northern Asia, and North America. It is native to Canada, the United States, and Northern Mexico. This plant thrives in shallow water or mud, often found in lakes, slow streams, ponds, and ditches.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Northern Water Plantain is an erect native perennial semi-aquatic herb.
• It has basal leaves arranged in a rosette and a tall flowering stem.
• The leaves are broad, oval-shaped, and long-petioled.
• The plant grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet and spreads 1.5 to 2 feet.
• It features open clusters of small flowers with 3 white petals and 3 sepals shorter than the petals.
• It is a rhizomatous plant with fibrous roots.
• Leaves and flowers are held above the water.

Ecological Role

Northern Water Plantain can tolerate disturbance and withstand drought conditions better than most aquatic plants.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The Cherokee used Northern Water Plantain (the text does not specify for what purpose).
• It is considered a plant for wildlife gardens.

Further Information

• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Discover Life