Etymology: Decodon: Greek deca for "ten" and odous for "tooth"
Plants: arching perennial, 1'-9' tall, semi-aquatic, emergent forb, often forms floating mats in soft sediment areas; stems woody at the base, angled, arching over and re-rooting in the water
Leaves: short-stalked, lance-shaped, in whorls of 3 or 4 or in opposite pairs, lower leaf surface and stalks finely hairy
Flowers: pink, 5-parted, 1/3"-1/2" long, petals obvious, narrowing towards the base; inflorescence a dense cluster (cyme) of stalked flowers from the upper leaf axils; blooms Aug.-Sept.
Fruits: rounded capsule with many seeds
Habitat: wet; shallows, swamps, still water; in mucky, peaty soil
Conservation Status: Native

USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos