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 from Portugal and Morocco to Japan, Kamchatka and Vietnam. It is also regarded as native in northern and central Africa as far south as Tanzania. It is reportedly naturalized in southern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, British Columbia, Washington state and Connecticut. Some sources maintain that the species is widespread across North America, but these reports appear to have been based on misidentified specimens.It is found on mud or in fresh waters. A. plantago-aquatica is a rhizomatous, aquatic, deciduous perennial with rosettes or elliptic to lance-shaped, pointed, grey-green leaves and tall, whorled panicles of white flowers from late spring into early summer.
Water-plantain Care
Alisma Plantago-aquatica
Other names: European Water Plantain, Deil's Spoons, Devil's Spoons, Mad Dog Weed, Thumbwort



What is the plant
It can be invasive in South Africa.
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Succeeds in a sunny position in boggy ground or shallow water up to 25cm deep
Pruning
Deadhead regularly in order to prevent problems from self-seeding
Sunlight
Full Sun It cannot grow in the shade.
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Soil
Organic or silty soils
Temperature
It is hardy to zone (UK) 6.
Additional
The fresh leaves and roots are toxic but the toxic principal is destroyed by heat or by drying. The seed is said to promote sterility. By contrast it is also said to promote conception
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Popularity
193 people already have this plant 33 people have added this plant to their wishlists
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