American Waterwort
Elatine americana
- Native to:
- Canada, Russia, United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © jim_keesling (iNaturalist #34215800)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Elatinaceae
- Genus:
- Elatine
- Species:
- Elatine americana
- USDA Symbol:
- ELAM3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
water veneer (Acentria nivea)
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, nutrient-rich, silty soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in shallow water or wet mud.