Family: Eriocaulaceae
Author: (Hill) Druce
Bibliography: Pharm. J. 29: 700 (1909)
Year: 1909
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Eriocaulon
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A., W. Ireland, Great Britain (W. Scotland)
Description
Pipewort, scientifically known as Eriocaulon aquaticum, is a fascinating aquatic plant that belongs to the family Eriocaulaceae. This unique species can be observed in a range of geographical locations, including Eastern Canada, the Eastern United States stretching as far south as North Carolina, as well as Western Ireland and parts of Western Scotland in Great Britain.
The presence of Pipewort in such diverse locales speaks to its adaptability and ecological significance. It frequently inhabits wetland environments such as shallow waters, bogs, and marshy areas, where it contributes to the biodiversity and stability of these crucial ecosystems. Its delicate, grass-like appearance and white or pale flower heads make it an easily recognizable plant among the wetland flora.
Pipewort holds an important place in botanical literature. It was notably mentioned in the Pharmaceutical Journal in 1909, highlighting its recognition and study in the field of botany and natural sciences. The reference to Eriocaulon aquaticum in such historical texts underscores its longstanding significance to researchers and plant enthusiasts alike.
This plant plays an essential role in its habitats, providing food and shelter for various wildlife species. Moreover, its preference for pristine water conditions makes it a valuable indicator of environmental health. Conservation of Pipewort and its habitats is crucial, as these areas are often vulnerable to anthropogenic activities and climate change.
In sum, Pipewort is not just a plant, but a key component of its ecosystem, a subject of scientific study, and an indicator of environmental well-being. Its widespread occurrence and notable presence in botanical literature make it a plant of both ecological and historical importance.
Common Names
Eng: pipewort, sevenangle pipewort, common pipewort, seven-angled pipewort, aquatic pipewort, white buttons
Fra: ériocaulon aquatique, ériocaulon septangulaire, ériocaulon à sept angles
Cym: pibennog
Gla: pioban uisge
En: Pipewort, Sevenangle pipewort, Seven-Angle Pipewort, Common Pipewort, Seven-angled pipewort, Aquatic pipewort, White buttons
Fr: Ériocaulon aquatique, Ériocaulon septangulaire, Ériocaulon à sept angles
Gd: Pioban Uisge
Cy: Pibennog
Synonyms
- Eriocaulon articulatum ((Huds.) Morong)
- Eriocaulon pellucidum f. clausenii (Moldenke)
- Eriocaulon septangulare (With.)
- Eriocaulon pellucidum (Michx.)
- Eriocaulon pellucidum f. pumilum ((Raf.) Moldenke)
- Nasmythia septangularis ((With.) Mart.)
- Nasmythia articulata (Huds.)
- Cespa aquatica (Hill)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Ireland (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Oscar Calinescu (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2019 by Shannon Lamont (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2018 by Nathalie Gauthier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 14, 2019 by lucie mariage (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Howard, R.A. (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Birgitta Tittel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2022 by Prasad Nayak (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2022 by bridget marquez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2020 by marjack Latodesrui (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 25, 2020 by Vicki Brown (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 9, 2014 by EOL − yasingi (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2690741)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1060148-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eriocaulon aquaticum (Hill) Druce)