Alisma plantago-aquatica (European Water Plantain)

Alisma plantago-aquatica (European Water Plantain) is a robust aquatic perennial forming rosettes of long-stalked, lance-shaped, gray-green leaves to 12 in. in length (30 cm), often splashed with purple. In late spring and throughout the summer, very fragrant, forked, white to very pale pink flowers with rounded tips and smooth or jagged edges, are borne in tall panicles. There are arranged in whorls that form large conical-shaped clouds of white or pink. The long-lasting flowers provide a focal point that gives the pond depth and interest. Native to the Northern Hemisphere, European Water Plantain is found on mud or in fresh waters of lakes, rivers, and brackish water bays especially on grazed shores, ditches, ponds.

• Grows up to 30 in. tall (75 cm) and 18 in. wide (45 cm).
• Performs best in full sun in poorly-drained soils. Will grow in standing water to 12 in. deep (30 cm).
• A charming addition to pond areas, water gardens.
• Deadhead regularly in order to prevent problems from self-seeding.
• Check where this plant is invasive.
• Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or by rhizome division in spring.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Native to Europe and Asia from Portugal and Morocco to Japan, Kamchatka and Vietnam. It is also regarded as native in northern and central Africa as far south as Tanzania.