Alismataceae
Common Water-plantain: Edible Plant
Alisma plantago-aquatica
A fuss-free plant for the water's edge. Stand it in shallow water or permanently wet, fertile mud in full sun to partial shade and it will form handsome clumps, flower through summer and self-seed freely.
Every 1 days
Direct sun
-15° - 27°C
80% - 100%
Categories
What is Common Water-plantain?
Common Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) is a easy-care plant from the Alismataceae family. Alisma plantago-aquatica is a hardy marginal perennial of pond edges, ditches and slow-moving water across Europe and Asia. From a basal rosette of long-stalked, plantain-like leaves it sends up tall, airy, much-branched stems studded with tiny three-petalled flowers in white to pale pink that open...
Common Water-plantain grows up to 1.0m, spread of 50cm, watering every 1 days, -15°C – 27°C, 80–100% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Common Water-plantain tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Common Water-plantain is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Common Water-plantain?
TLDR: Common Water-plantain needs Direct sun, watering every 1 days, and temperatures between -15-27°C with 80-100% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Common Water-plantain?
Never let it dry out. Keep the roots submerged in 5-20 cm of water or in constantly saturated soil; drought quickly stresses or kills it.
How Much Light Does Common Water-plantain Need?
Best in full sun, which produces sturdy stems and abundant bloom. It tolerates partial shade but not deep shade.
What Is the Best Soil for Common Water-plantain?
Grow in heavy, nutrient-rich loam or aquatic compost at a pond margin. A planting basket helps contain its vigorous roots.
What Pot Should You Use for Common Water-plantain?
Plant in a mesh aquatic basket lined with hessian and topped with gravel, then submerge at the pond edge so the crown sits just at or below the water surface.
What Is Common Water-plantain and Where Does It Come From?
Alisma plantago-aquatica is a hardy marginal perennial of pond edges, ditches and slow-moving water across Europe and Asia. From a basal rosette of long-stalked, plantain-like leaves it sends up tall, airy, much-branched stems studded with tiny three-petalled flowers in white to pale pink that open in the afternoon. It dies back in winter and regrows from its rootstock each spring.
How Big Does Common Water-plantain Grow?
TLDR: Common Water-plantain can reach up to 1.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.0m
Spread
50cm
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
- Folk remedy for urinary and digestive complaints
Culinary Uses
- Roots edible only when thoroughly cooked
- Leaves edible when cooked
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Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
