SafePlants

Narrow Pipewort (Eriocaulon lineare)

Narrow Pipewort, scientifically known as Eriocaulon lineare Small, is a fascinating aquatic or wetland plant belonging to the genus Eriocaulon.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has narrow leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Eriocaulon lineare Small
• Common Name: Narrow Pipewort
• Family: Eriocaulaceae (Pipewort family)
• Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Eriocaulon lineare is found in wet soil or shallow water of lakes and slow-moving areas.
• It has been documented in Delaware and Alabama.
• Specific to Ireland, Pipewort is not too commonly found.

Morphological Characteristics

• Eriocaulon lineare is a forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that isn't a grass.
• It exhibits a submerged basal rosette of translucent, narrow leaves.
• Leaves are described as linear (very narrow) and pale green, with obvious air spaces.
• Leaves are 2 to 5 cm long and 1 to 1.5 mm wide, gradually tapering to a fine apex and partially transparent.
• Flower color is white.
• Small tufted herb.
• Flowerheads spherical, 3-4 mm

Quirky Facts

• The plant is so named due to it's narrow leaves that are almost translucent.

Related Species

• Other Eriocaulon species include:
  • Eriocaulon benthamii (Bentham's Pipewort)
  • Eriocaulon compressum (Flattened Pipewort)
  • Eriocaulon nigrobracteatum (Black-bracted Pipewort)
  • Eriocaulon aquaticum (White Buttons Seven Angle Pipewort)
  • Eriocaulon ravenelii (Ravenel's pipewort)
  • Eriocaulon decangulare (Tenangle Pipewort)
  • Eriocaulon cinereum (ashy pipewort)

Further Information

• Discover Life offers detailed information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Eriocaulon lineare.
• Additional information and images can be found on the USDA PLANTS database.