Etymology: Decodon: Greek deca for "ten" and odous for "tooth"
Plants: arching perennial, 1'-9' tall, semi-aquatic, emergent forb, often forming floating mats in soft sediment areas; angled stems woody at the base, arching over and re-rooting in the water
Leaves: short-stalked, lance-shaped, in whorls of 3 or 4 or in opposite pairs
Flowers: pink, 5-parted, 1/3"-1/2" long, obvious petals narrowing toward the base, 8-10 protruding stamens of 2 alternating lengths; inflorescence a dense cluster (cyme) of stalked flowers from the upper leaf axils; blooms Aug.-Sept.
Fruits: rounded capsule with many seeds
Habitat: shallows, lake shores, still water; in mucky, peaty soil
Conservation Status: Native

Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 7, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources: Rare Species Guide; description, conservation, photos, maps, etc. David G. Smith's "Delaware Wilflowers": Beautiful photographs; descriptions USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS): Images of seeds, fruits, embryos, etc. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"