Alisma plantago-aquatica L.
American Waterplantain
Water-plantain is a native perennial of still and slow-moving fresh water, found in the shallow margins of ponds, ditches, canals and lakes, and on the wet mud of marshes and swamps. It throws up a rosette of long-stalked, oval to lance-shaped leaves, plantain-like in outline, that stand clear of the water.
About
Water-plantain is a native perennial of still and slow-moving fresh water, found in the shallow margins of ponds, ditches, canals and lakes, and on the wet mud of marshes and swamps. It throws up a rosette of long-stalked, oval to lance-shaped leaves, plantain-like in outline, that stand clear of the water. From this rises an airy, much-branched stem, reaching around a metre, carrying tiers of tiny three-petalled flowers in pale lilac to white. It is widespread across Britain, though scarcer in the far north of Scotland.
The flowers open through summer, roughly June to September, each lasting only briefly and tending to open in the afternoon. Their pollen and nectar draw small flies and other insects, while the structural seed-heads add interest later in the season. It is a good choice for naturalising at the edge of a wildlife pond or in a damp, sunny corner, lending height and a delicate, see-through quality above the waterline.
Also known as
Common Water Plantain · Common Water-Plantain · European Water Plantain · European water-plantain · Water-plantain
Synonyms
Alisma cordifolium · Alisma gluckii · Alisma major · Alisma plantago · Alisma plantago-aquatica fluitans · Alisma plantago-aquatica latifolium · Alisma plantago-aquatica parvifolium · Alisma plantago-aquatica plantago-aquatica · Damasonium plantago-aquaticum
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.