Etymology: Alisma: Greek name for a water plant
Plants: erect or floating, perennial, semi-aquatic to aquatic, 4"-40" tall
Leaves: in basal rosette, with parallel veins, linear to lance-like to widely elliptical or oval, long-stalked, smooth and firm, aquatic or terrestrial
Flowers: white, 3-parted, 1/3" wide, petals half again as long as the sepals; inflorescence taller than the leaves and with 4 or more whorls of flowers per stalk; blooms June-Sept.
Fruits: dense ring of dry seeds; seed with 1 groove on the back
Habitat: shallow water, ponds; in muddy soil
Hazardous: Careful, this plant is hazardous!
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 4 USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Illinois Wildflowers: Wonderful photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leaf arrangement key