Family: Alismataceae
Author: Raf.
Bibliography: Med. Repos., ser. 2, 5: 362 (1808)
Year: 1808
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Alisma
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Southern water-plantain, scientifically known as Alisma subcordatum, is a resilient aquatic plant that thrives in the wetlands of southeastern Canada and across central to eastern United States. A member of the Alismataceae family, this plant is renowned for its ability to adapt and proliferate in various aquatic environments, such as marshes, ponds, and shallow water bodies.
First described by Rafinesque in 1808, Southern water-plantain displays a robust root system that anchors it firmly in submerged soils. The leaves, which grow in a basal rosette, are notable for their heart-shaped to lanceolate form, typically floating or emerging just above the water surface. This characteristic leaf morphology aids in the identification of Alisma subcordatum among other water-plant species.
One of the striking features of the Southern water-plantain is its inflorescence. The plant produces a tall, panicled cluster of tiny, white to pinkish flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. These delicate flowers, supported by branching stems, not only add aesthetic value to the aquatic landscapes but also play a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive cycle. The flowers eventually give rise to small, flat seeds that are dispersed by water currents, ensuring the propagation of the species across suitable habitats.
Southern water-plantain serves several ecological roles. It provides habitat and shelter for aquatic fauna, helps stabilize soil with its extensive root network, and contributes to the overall health of wetland ecosystems by filtering water and trapping sediments. Additionally, this plant is sometimes used in constructed wetlands for water purification purposes, showcasing its utility beyond natural settings.
The adaptability and ecological importance of Alisma subcordatum underscore the significance of preserving wetland habitats where this plant is found. Given its wide distribution and crucial role in wetland ecology, Southern water-plantain embodies the intricate balance and interdependence of aquatic ecosystems.
Common Names
Eng: american water plantain, southern water plantain, southern water-plantain, waterplaintain, broad-leaved water-plantain, small water-plantain
Fra: alisma subcorde, alisma subcordé
Swe: amerikansk svalting
En: Southern water-plantain, American water plantain, American Water-Plantain, WATERPLAINTAIN, Southern water plantain, Broad-leaved water-plantain, Small water-plantain, Common Waterplantain, Great Water-plantain, Water-plantain
Ca: Plantatge aquàtic, Plantatge d’aigua
Nl: Grote Waterweegbree
Fr: Alisma subcorde, Alisma subcordé, Alisma plantain d’eau, Plantain d’eau, Plantain d’eau commun
De: Gemeiner Froschlöffel, Gewöhnlicher Froschlöffel
It: Mestolaccia comune, Mestolaccio comune, Piantaggine acquatica
Es: Alisma, Llantén de agua
Sv: Amerikansk svalting
Synonyms
- Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. subcordatum ((Raf.) Hultén)
- Alisma montanum (Raf.)
- Alisma parviflorum (Pursh)
- Alisma plantago-aquatica var. parviflorum ((Pursh) Torr.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- North Dakota (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Hill Paige (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 25, 2020 by lia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2018 by Charlotte Thivierge (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (public)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Flower
Taken Jul 25, 2020 by Androniki Pitsillides (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (public)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)
Habit
Taken Sep 16, 2013 by EOL − Suzanne Cadwell (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Botany (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − WVU Herbarium (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Fritzflohrreynolds (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 21, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2865181)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:8509-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Alisma subcordatum Raf.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Single Crown
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 5.0