American shoreweed (Littorella uniflora, Fl. Brandenburg 1: 544 (1864))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: (L.) Asch.

Bibliography: Fl. Brandenburg 1: 544 (1864)

Year: 1864

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Littorella

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Azores, Europe, Morocco

Description

The American shoreweed, scientifically named Littorella uniflora, is an intriguing aquatic plant belonging to the Plantaginaceae family. First documented in 1864 in “Flora Brandenburg,” it was classified by the botanist Ascherson using contributions from Linnaeus, hence the notation (L.) Asch.

Littorella uniflora is primarily found across various regions, including the Azores, Europe, and Morocco. This plant thrives in aquatic environments, typically seen along the shores of freshwater bodies where it can root itself in sandy or muddy substrates.

The American shoreweed is notable for its adaptability to varying water levels. Its morphological characteristics include narrow, grass-like leaves that form a dense, rosette-like structure near the base. These leaves not only assist in withstanding flowing water but also play a crucial role in photosynthesis and nutrient absorption.

Reproductive features of the American shoreweed include inconspicuous flowers, which are usually solitary, giving rise to its specific name, uniflora. The flowers are often overlooked due to their small size and greenish hue, blending seamlessly with the plant’s surroundings.

Ecologically, Littorella uniflora plays a vital role in its habitat. It provides shelter for various aquatic organisms and contributes to the stabilization of shoreline sediments, reducing erosion. Its presence indicates a healthy aquatic system, often thriving in clean, oxygen-rich waters.

Conservation-wise, the American shoreweed can be sensitive to pollution and changes in water quality. Monitoring its populations can serve as an indicator for environmental changes, making it an essential species for ecological studies and conservation efforts.

In summary, Littorella uniflora, or American shoreweed, is a modest yet ecologically significant plant found in select regions around the world. Its unique characteristics and the role it plays in aquatic ecosystems highlight the importance of preserving natural habitats to ensure the survival of such specialized species.

Common Names

Eng: american shoreweed, shoreweed
Deu: europäischer strandling, strandling
Pol: brzezyca jednokwiatowa
Nor: fjærle, fryttel-fjærle
Fra: littorelle, littorelle à une fleur
Nld: oeverkruid
Lav: vienzieda krastene
Sme: gáddečikŋa
Nob: tjerngras
Nno: tjønngras, tjørngras
Cym: beisdonell merllyn, beistonnell, beistonnell ferllyn, beistonnell merllyn
En: American shoreweed, Shoreweed
Nl: Oeverkruid
Fi: Raani
Fr: Littorelle, Littorelle à une Fleur, Littorelle des étangs, Littorelle des lacs, Littorelle uniflore
De: Europäischer Strandling, Strandling
It: Littorella
Lv: Vienzieda krastene
Se: Gáddečikŋa
No: Fjærle, Fryttel-fjærle
Nb: Tjerngras
Nn: Tjønngras, Tjørngras
Pl: Brzezyca jednokwiatowa
Cy: Beisdonell Merllyn, Beistonnell, Beistonnell Ferllyn, Beistonnell Merllyn

Synonyms

• Littorella lacustris var. hirsuta (Gray)
• Littorella juncea (P.J.Bergius)
• Littorella lacustris (L.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Denmark (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Jul 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Sep 14, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Françoise CARLE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 17, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 17, 2019 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 14, 2020 by william viaux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2022 by Sylvatica 2021 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Pierre LEON (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2019 by Astrid Morel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2022 by aletrized (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2004 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jun 26, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Florent Beck (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5421111)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:684810-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Littorella uniflora (L.) Asch.)

Specifications

Growth