Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Araceae

Genus:

Pistia

Species:

Pistia stratiotes

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Forb/herb

Height:

6 in - 1 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Colors:

green

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Virgin Islands

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

nutrient-rich, silty or clayey soil

pH:

6.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Commonly found in slow-moving or stagnant water bodies