Common water-plantain Plant located in our Clubb, MO village Alisma plantago-aquatica, also known as European water-plantain, common water-plantain or mad-dog weed, is a perennial flowering aquatic plant widespread across most of Europe and Asia, and apparently spread elsewhere in both the Old and New World. Calflora Alisma plantago-aquatica Calflora Things to know Scientific Name: Alisma plantago-aquatica UsesDifferent uses for alisma plantago-aquatica The plant Alisma plantago-aquatica Linnaeus, which is widely distributed in southwest of China, is the main material of traditional Chinese medicine “Zexie”. It was used as folk medicine for immune-modulation, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. CareCaring for an alisma plantago-aquatica Alisma plantago-aquatica needs a half-shade or full sun exposure if it has the necessary humidity. The soil should be clayey to retain water well and contain organic matter. About 50 cm should be submerged in a pond. If it is cultivated in a pot, it must be watered a lot; the substrate has to be waterlogged. LeavesAlisma plantago-aquatica leaves Leaves. Usually oblong/oval and slightly heart-shaped, or may be lance-like, born on petioles that are 15-50 cm long. Leaves can be 3-15 cm wide with veining pattern similar to that of other plantago's. ClassificationAlisma plantago-aquatica classification Alisma plantago-aquaticaOrder:AlismatalesFamily:AlismataceaeGenus:AlismaSpecies:A. plantago-aquatica Edible Parts According to Plants for a Future, the root is acrid and must be dried or cooked before use. Leaves and petioles - must be thoroughly cooked. Apparently these require long boiling. Author Daniel Moerman says that the Iroquois used to use this plant to make a tea that was used by forest runners. https://www.ediblewildfood.com › ... Water Plantain Alisma plantago-aquatica Common water plantain is a freshwater, herbaceous, perennial water plant of the genus Alisma (family Alismataceae). This plant has been used medicinally for hundreds of years in a variety of ways. Many seek this plant to grow as an ornamental in home ponds. It was used as folk medicine for immune-modulation, anti-tumor and antibacterial
Distinguishing Features Water plantain is a tall, aquatic plant that is often found in shallow water or along the muddy banks of slow-moving waterways. It has very small flowers and many thin, branching stems that look somewhat decorative. These stalks become hardy and woody once the flowers have died.
Flowers (Common) water-plantain starts to flower in June (depending on geographic location), and continues flowering throughout the summer. Individual flowers are very short-lived; they typically open in the early afternoon, and wither (usually) within six hours. Flowers have three green sepals (modified leaves) and three white or pinkish petals and produce achene fruits. These tiny flowers occur in whorled groups forming a narrowing raceme. They have 3 petals, white to pale pink, with a yellowish spot at base. The flower has 6 stamens and several carpels.
Leaves Most leaves are aerial, with some floating and submerged leaves. Aerial and floating leaves have long stalks, 8 to 25 cm (3 to 10 “) long. Blade is ovate, with a rounded or cordate base and entire margins.
Height This aquatic plant can grow anywhere from 30 to 100 cm (12 to 40”) in height.
Habitat This plant can be found on or near water such as in shallow lakes, rivers, ditches, and ponds. In particular it likes the muddy areas. It can be found throughout the northern hemisphere, South America, and North Africa. It also grows in New Zealand and Australia.
Edible Parts Leaves and roots. Roots must be cooked. According to Plants for a Future, the root is acrid and must be dried or cooked before use. Leaves and petioles - must be thoroughly cooked. Apparently these require long boiling. Author Daniel Moerman says that the Iroquois used to use this plant to make a tea that was used by forest runners.
Other Name
Mad-Dog Weed.
New identification of a plant in our Clubb, Missouri location
