Northern Water Plantain
Alisma triviale
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, Prince Edward I., United States
Matt Lavin (www.flickr.com)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Alismataceae
- Genus:
- Alisma
- Species:
- Alisma triviale
- USDA Symbol:
- ALTR7
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, pink
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
gray-edged hypena (Hypena madefactalis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, aquatic insects
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, moisture-retentive loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- 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 germinate best after cold stratification; sow on moist soil surface with light.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)