American water plantain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids American water plantain |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Alisma
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| Species: |
subcordatum
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| Synonyms | |
The American water plantain, also called Alisma subcordatum, is a fascinating aquatic plant. It's a perennial plant, meaning it lives for many years. This plant belongs to the water-plantain family, which is called Alismataceae.
Contents
What is the American Water Plantain?
This plant can grow to be about 3 feet (1 meter) tall. It has leaves that look like a spear or an oval. These leaves grow from a special underground stem called a corm, which has thin, thread-like roots. If leaves grow underwater, they are usually weak and don't last long on older plants.
Flowers and Seeds
From June to September, the American water plantain shows off its pretty flowers. These flowers grow on a branched stem called an inflorescence. Each flower has three petals that can be white or a light pink color. After the flowers bloom, they produce seeds. These seeds are a tasty snack for different birds, especially waterfowl like ducks and geese, and also for upland birds.
Historical Uses
Long ago, Native Americans found a special use for this plant. They would dry the root-like parts that grew underwater and eat them. The scientific name subcordatum gives us a clue about the plant's shape. It means "almost heart-shaped," which describes the shape of its leaves.
Where Does it Grow?
The American water plantain is native to many parts of eastern and central United States and Canada. You can find it from Texas all the way up to Manitoba and New Brunswick. It also grows in Georgia. However, it has not been found in Florida.
Habitat
This plant loves to grow in wet, muddy places. You'll often see it in water that is still or moving very slowly. It also thrives in seeps, which are places where water slowly leaks out of the ground. You can also find it in wetlands, which are areas like swamps or marshes that are always wet.
