Alismataceae: Water-plantain Family

Northern Water-plantain – Alisma triviale

Blooms:

Spring–fall

Plant Height:

60–120 cm

Flower Size:

Very small

Origin:

Native

Habitat:

Pond margins

Notes:

Despite its name, this is unrelated to plantains.  It belongs to the same group (Monocots) as lilies, irises, orchids, reeds, rushes and grasses.  Its flowers show a typical monocot feature: its tiny flower has 3 (or a multiple of 3) parts. Its large leaves are reminiscent of Plantain leaves, but the flowers and upright/straggly growth habit could hardly be more different.