Marsh mermaidweed (Proserpinaca palustris, Sp. Pl.: 88 (1753))

Family: Haloragaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 88 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Proserpinaca

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. America to Colombia, Caribbean

Description

Marsh mermaidweed, scientifically known as Proserpinaca palustris, is a fascinating aquatic plant that forms part of the family Haloragaceae. Described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, marsh mermaidweed boasts a notable historical record in botanical literature.

Thriving primarily in swampy and wetland environments, Proserpinaca palustris exhibits a unique adaptability that allows it to flourish across a wide geographic range. It is indigenous to North America, extending from the cooler climates of Canada down through the United States, and reaches as far south as Colombia in South America. Additionally, it is prevalent throughout the Caribbean islands, making it a remarkably versatile species.

The physical characteristics of marsh mermaidweed are particularly striking. Its distinctive foliage, which can appear in both emergent and submerged forms, often displays finely dissected, fern-like leaves that lend an elegant, almost ethereal quality to this aquatic plant. The emergent leaves of marsh mermaidweed are typically broader and serrated, while the submerged leaves take on a more filamentous, feather-like appearance, showcasing its adaptability to different aquatic environments.

Ecologically, Proserpinaca palustris plays a crucial role in its habitat. As an aquatic plant, it provides essential cover and breeding grounds for various aquatic organisms. Its dense growth can offer protection for small fish and invertebrates, thus contributing to the biodiversity and health of wetland ecosystems.

In addition to its ecological importance, marsh mermaidweed is sometimes utilized in aquascaping and ornamental aquatic gardening due to its visually appealing and delicate foliage. It adds both texture and color variation to water gardens and naturalistic aquariums, making it a favored choice for hobbyists.

Given its broad distribution and significant presence in both natural and cultivated settings, Proserpinaca palustris stands as a testament to the adaptability and ecological value of aquatic plants. Whether admired for its botanical beauty or its role within its ecosystem, marsh mermaidweed remains a distinctive and beneficial component of wetland flora.

Common Names

Eng: marsh mermaid-weed, marsh mermaidweed, mermaid weed
Por: erva-de-sereia
Fra: proserpinie des marais
En: Marsh mermaidweed, Marsh mermaid-weed, Mermaid weed
Fr: Proserpinie des marais
Pt: Erva-de-sereia

Synonyms

• Trixis palustris ((L.) Gaertn.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. (public)

Habit

Taken Apr 13, 2016 by EOL − anewman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 7, 2013 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Oct 8, 2013 by EOL − Erin Faulkner (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2984291)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319348-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Proserpinaca palustris L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth