SafePlants

Pipewort: A Delicate Aquatic Plant

Pipewort refers to plants from the genus Eriocaulon, encompassing approximately 400 species of monocotyledonous flowering plants. They are members of the Eriocaulaceae family, also known as the pipewort family.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Pipeworts are often found in wet areas and shallow water.
• Some species, like Parker's pipewort, are small and delicate.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Eriocaulon
• Common Names: Pipewort, Gu Jing Cao (in Chinese herbal medicine)
• Family: Eriocaulaceae (Pipewort Family)
• Order: Poales

Distribution and Habitat

• Pipeworts are found in various regions, including Ireland (Donegal, Connemara, Kerry), the eastern United States, New England states, and southeastern Oklahoma.
• They typically grow in bog-pools, shallow water, wet soil, lakes, slow-moving rivers, acid seeps, and glades.
• Some species, like Eriocaulon aquaticum, are found in North America, Ireland, and the Scottish Hebrides.

Morphological Characteristics

• Pipeworts are aquatic plants that can resemble tufts of grass.
• Leaves are often narrow, grass-like, and can be green to purple.
• Some species have translucent leaves arranged in a basal spiral.
• Flower heads are typically button-like, small (1/8 to 3/8 inch across), and white with blackish-tipped stamens in some species.
• Height can range from 1 to 10 inches.

Quirky Facts

• In traditional Chinese medicine, Eriocaulon, known as Gu Jing Cao, is considered important and closely associated with eye health.
• Pipewort Pond Nature Preserve in New Hampshire is a shallow wetland with fluctuating water levels, highlighting the plant's adaptation to varying aquatic conditions.

Ecological Role

• Pipeworts are wetland plants, often indicated by an OBL (Obligate Wetland) status.

Specific Species

• Eriocaulon aquaticum: Also known as seven-angle pipewort, this species is found in wet places and has a twisted flower.
• Eriocaulon septangulare: A perennial plant of wet places in the western Republic of Ireland, the Scottish Hebrides, and the eastern US.
• Eriocaulon parkeri: Parker's Pipewort is native to river and stream habitats.
• Eriocaulon decangulare: Commonly known as ten-angled pipewort, hat pin, and bog button, this species is native to the eastern United States.
• Eriocaulon australasicum: Also known as Southern Pipewort.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Eriocaulon aquaticum.
• The National Parks and Wildlife Service of Ireland provides information on Irish flora.
• ARKive provides photos and facts.