Water Plantain
Alisma plantago-aquatica

Distinguishing Features

Water plantain is a tall, aquatic plant that is often found in shallow water or along the muddy banks of slow-moving waterways. It has very small flowers and many thin, branching stems that look somewhat decorative. These stalks become hardy and woody once the flowers have died.

Flowers

(Common) water-plantain starts to flower in June (depending on geographic location), and continues flowering throughout the summer. Individual flowers are very short-lived; they typically open in the early afternoon, and wither (usually) within six hours. Flowers have three green sepals (modified leaves) and three white or pinkish petals and produce achene fruits. These tiny flowers occur in whorled groups forming a narrowing raceme. They have 3 petals, white to pale pink, with a yellowish spot at base. The flower has 6 stamens and several carpels.

Leaves

Most leaves are aerial, with some floating and submerged leaves. Aerial and floating leaves have long stalks, 8 to 25 cm (3 to 10 “) long. Blade is ovate, with a rounded or cordate base and entire margins.

Height

This aquatic plant can grow anywhere from 30 to 100 cm (12 to 40”) in height.

Habitat

This plant can be found on or near water such as in shallow lakes, rivers, ditches, and ponds. In particular it likes the muddy areas. It can be found throughout the northern hemisphere, South America, and North Africa. It also grows in New Zealand and Australia.

Edible Parts

Leaves and roots. Roots must be cooked. According to Plants for a Future, the root is acrid and must be dried or cooked before use. Leaves and petioles - must be thoroughly cooked. Apparently these require long boiling. Author Daniel Moerman says that the Iroquois used to use this plant to make a tea that was used by forest runners.

Other Name

Mad-Dog Weed.

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