Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Poaceae

Genus:

Zizania

Species:

Zizania palustris

USDA Symbol:

ZIPA3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Annual

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Food Forest:

Contains edible parts

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

waterfowl, birds

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, organic, waterlogged soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Commonly found in shallow freshwater marshes and lakes.

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds require cold stratification and constant moisture; germination occurs in water-saturated soil.