Alisma plantago-aquatica
Alismataceae
June to August
It is found everywhere except for parts of the North
and the far Southwest
See the BSBI distribution map for Water-plantain
It grows in shallow fresh water and the muddy edges of
fresh water, and marshes and swamps.
Water-plantain is a native, erect, aquatic, perennial herb,
growing up to 1m.
Flowers are up to 1cm and have 3 lilac petals and 3 sepals.
Flowers are smaller than in Lesser Water-plantain.
There are 5 stamens and several styles (one for each
carpel).
The ovary is superier - see close-up of side view of flower.
The fruits (carpels) are compressed in a flat round head.
Water-plantain produces large numbers of fruits, which
form a striking, smoky mesh.
Leaves are deep green, elongated ovals on long stalks.
The stems are erect, hairless and much branched from
about halfway up.
The flowers and fruits are on extended whorls from the
stem.
Previous page: Water Forget-me-not
Next page: Water-purslane
Water Plantain, Lancaster canal
Part of flower whorl
Close-up of flower showing stamens
Close-up showing central styles
Side view showing styles and stamens
Fruits on whorled, branched stem
Fruits - flat, round head of carpels
Leaves
Mesh of stems, flowers and fruits
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