southern water plantain

Alisma subcordatum

 

 

characteristics

Green leaf stems emerge from bulb like corms. Ribbon-like leaves — often submerged — may go unnoticed as they tend to quickly decay. Flower stem is many branched; producing numerous panicles rising well above the foliage. A tiny white to yellow flower appears at the end of each of the branches. Seeds are in a dense ring. Reseeds readily; spreads quickly.

habitat

Marshes, ponds, lakes, streams, ditches.

uses

Waterfowl and other birds eat the seeds.

North American aboriginals used this plant to make poultices for wounds and swelling.