American Water Plantain

Alisma subcordatum

Weed Description
Aquatic perennial with erect or floating leaves. Found in shallow water, marsh areas, and pond and stream borders from Massachusetts to Minnesota and from Florida to Texas.

Leaves
Oval or elliptic, approximately 1 1/4 to 8 inches long, 1 1/4 to 6 inches wide, and sharply pointed at the leaf apex (acute). Leaves have petioles that are often longer than the leaf blade.

Flowers
Occur on flowering stems (scapes) in panicles with whorled branches of flowers within each panicle. Flowering stems (scapes) range from 4 inches to 21 inches in height and are spreading. Petals are 1 to 2 mm long and pink in color.

Fruit
An achene approximately 1.5 to 2.5 mm long.

Identifying Characteristics
Aquatic plants that are found in shallow water and resemble the common plantain weeds often found in turfgrass and lawns.

Office of Programs

University of Missouri

American Water Plantain

Alisma subcordatum