Awlwort (Subularia aquatica, Sp. Pl.: 642 (1753))

Family: Brassicaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 642 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Subularia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic & Temp. Northern Hemisphere

Description

Awlwort, scientifically known as Subularia aquatica, is a fascinating and unique aquatic plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Discovered and classified by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, Awlwort has remained a subject of interest among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

This delicate plant can be found predominantly in subarctic and temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, where it thrives in freshwater environments such as the shallow edges of lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams. Awlwort’s resilience in cooler climates and its specific habitat preferences make it an important species for studying aquatic plant ecology in these areas.

The structure of Awlwort is quite distinctive. Its name is derived from the awl-shaped leaves, which are slender, needle-like, and typically clustered at the base. These leaves often form a rosette that floats on or near the water’s surface, adding to the plant’s uniqueness. During the blooming season, Awlwort produces small white flowers that rise above the water level, forming an elegant display that contrasts vividly with its green, grass-like foliage.

Awlwort plays a vital ecological role, contributing to the health and stability of aquatic ecosystems. It provides habitat and food for a variety of aquatic organisms, including small invertebrates and fish. Furthermore, by anchoring itself in the substrates of its watery environment, Awlwort helps to prevent soil erosion and maintain water clarity.

Although it is not commonly cultivated in home gardens, Awlwort is valued in naturalistic garden designs and ecological restoration projects, especially in areas aiming to replicate or restore natural freshwater habitats. Conservation of this plant is important due to its specialized habitat requirements and the increasing threats to aquatic environments globally.

In summary, Subularia aquatica, or Awlwort, is a remarkable aquatic plant with a subarctic and temperate Northern Hemisphere distribution. Its delicate, awl-like leaves and charming white flowers make it a distinctive component of freshwater ecosystems. As an important species both ecologically and scientifically, Awlwort continues to captivate those interested in the natural world and the intricate web of life sustained by our planet’s water bodies.

Common Names

Eng: awlwort, waterawlwort, water awlwort
Deu: pfriemenkresse, wasser-pfriemenkresse
Dan: sylblad
Nor: frytilje
Nld: priemkruid
Fra: subulaire, subulaire aquatique
Swe: sylört
Lav: udenu subularija
Sme: áibmesuoidni
Cym: mynawydlys, mynawydlys dyfrdrig
En: Awlwort, Waterawlwort, American Water-Awlwort, American awlwort, Water awlwort
Bg: Водна шилолистка
Ca: Subulària
Da: Sylblad
Nl: Priemkruid
Et: Vesi-naaskelleht
Fi: Äimäruoho, Vesiäimäruoho
Fr: Subulaire aquatique, Subulaire
De: Pfriemenkresse, Wasser-Pfriemenkresse
Is: Alurt
It: Subularia acquatica
Lv: Udenu subularija
Gv: Bossan friogganagh
Se: Áibmesuoidni
No: Frytilje
Ru: Шильник водяной
Sv: Sylört
Uk: Шильник водяний
Cy: Mynawydlys, Mynawydlys Dyfrdrig

Synonyms

• Draba subularia (Lam.)
• Crucifera subularia ((Lam.) E.H.L.Krause)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Altay (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• California (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Québec (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Utah (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Sep 3, 2008 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Sep 16, 2022 by Rachael Kirby (cc-by-sa)

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

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

Habit

Taken Sep 11, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Frédéric Azémar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Frédéric Azémar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Frédéric Azémar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Aug 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Fruit

Taken Aug 15, 2018 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5373421)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:290258-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Subularia aquatica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 5.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 9

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 3