Alismataceae
American water plantain: Edible Plant
Alisma subcordatum
This plant must be grown in saturated soil or shallow standing water. It thrives in full sun and is extremely cold-hardy, dying back to the rootstock in winter.
Every 1 days
Bright indirect
-35° - 35°C
60% - 100%
Categories
What is American water plantain?
American water plantain (Alisma subcordatum) is a medium-care plant from the Alismataceae family. Alisma subcordatum, commonly known as American water plantain, is an aquatic perennial native to North America. It features basal rosettes of large, ovate leaves and produces tall, branched panicles of tiny, three-petaled white or pinkish flowers. It is a staple of wetland ecosystems, providing habi...
American water plantain grows up to 1.0m, spread of 60cm, watering every 1 days, -35°C – 35°C, 60–100% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs.
How to Care for American water plantain?
TLDR: American water plantain needs Bright indirect, watering every 1 days, and temperatures between -35-35°C with 60-100% humidity.
How Often Should You Water American water plantain?
Maintain a water depth of 0 to 6 inches above the soil surface at all times.
How Much Light Does American water plantain Need?
Requires full sun to partial shade; more sun leads to more robust flowering stalks.
What Is the Best Soil for American water plantain?
Thrives in heavy, mucky, or clay-based soils that retain moisture and nutrients under water.
What Pot Should You Use for American water plantain?
Aquatic planting baskets or heavy clay pots without drainage holes for pond margins.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is American water plantain and Where Does It Come From?
Alisma subcordatum, commonly known as American water plantain, is an aquatic perennial native to North America. It features basal rosettes of large, ovate leaves and produces tall, branched panicles of tiny, three-petaled white or pinkish flowers. It is a staple of wetland ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various aquatic wildlife.
How to Propagate American water plantain?
Seed Sowing
- Keep the soil surface constantly wet
- Seeds germinate best in very shallow water
- 1 Collect Seeds
Harvest seeds from dried flower heads in late summer or fall.
- 2 Sowing
Sow seeds directly onto the surface of saturated mud or in pots submerged just below the water line.
- 3 Overwintering
Allow seeds to experience natural cold stratification outdoors for spring germination.
Materials needed:
Rhizome Division
- Do not let the rhizomes dry out during the process
- Use a sharp, sterilized knife
- 1 Lift the Plant
Carefully dig up the root mass from the mud in early spring as new growth appears.
- 2 Divide Rhizomes
Cut the thick rhizomes into sections, ensuring each piece has at least one growth bud.
- 3 Replant
Immediately replant the divisions into saturated soil or aquatic containers.
Materials needed:
How Big Does American water plantain Grow?
TLDR: American water plantain can reach up to 1.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.0m
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal Uses
- Traditionally used as a diuretic
- External poultice for skin inflammations
Culinary Uses
- Cooked tubers are edible
- Dried roots can be ground into a thickening powder
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents the health and purity of freshwater ecosystems.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
| Wild Lettuce | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
