Shortseed Waterwort

Elatine brachysperma

Native to:
Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Mexico, Peru, United States, Uruguay

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Elatinaceae
Genus:
Elatine
Species:
Elatine brachysperma
USDA Symbol:
ELBR5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
10 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white
Ground Cover:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
waterfowl
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, nutrient-rich, silty loam
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in wetland areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require wet or submerged conditions; may germinate on exposed mudflats as water recedes.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI