European Water Plantain
Alisma plantago-aquatica
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Burundi, China, Corse, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, DR Congo, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kirgizstan, Korea, Kriti, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Pakistan, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Sardegna, Sicilia, Spain, Sudan-South Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Uganda, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam
Conrad Theodore Green (www.wikidata.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Alismataceae
- Genus:
- Alisma
- Species:
- Alisma plantago-aquatica
- USDA Symbol:
- ALPL
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pale pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, aquatic insects
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, water-retentive clay or loam
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in wetlands and shallow water.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from cold stratification; sow on moist soil surface with light for germination.
Pre-treatment: Seeds were cold stratified for 30 days
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. Sow @ 20°C. If seed does not germinate within 3 months, try 4°C for 1-2 months, then 20°C again. * 20°C (light), then 4°C, then raise temperature slowly t20°C (dark), stand pot in 3 cm water