Contents
Description
Alisma Lanceolatum, commonly known as lance-leaved water plantain, is an aquatic plant species that belongs to the family Alismataceae. It is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in shallow waters such as ditches, ponds, and marshes. The plant has long, lance-shaped leaves and produces small white flowers that bloom in the summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Alismatales |
| Family | Alismataceae |
| Genus | Alisma |
Appearance
The lance-leaved water plantain can grow up to 60cm tall and has long, narrow leaves that can reach up to 25cm in length. The leaves are green and smooth with distinct parallel veins. The plant produces small white flowers that bloom in the summer months. The flowers have three petals and are arranged in a branched inflorescence. The lance-leaved water plantain can form dense stands in shallow water bodies and wetlands.
Care Guide
To care for the lance-leaved water plantain, it is important to provide it with the right growing conditions. Here are some tips to follow:- Water: The plant requires consistent moisture, so it should be grown in shallow water or in soil that is consistently moist.- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization as it can obtain nutrients from the water and soil.- Soil: The plant prefers sandy or loamy soil with good drainage.- Sunlight: The lance-leaved water plantain prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The lance-leaved water plantain is relatively disease and pest-free. However, it can sometimes be affected by fungal leaf spots or rust. These can be treated by removing the affected leaves and applying a fungicide.
Habitat
The lance-leaved water plantain can be found in shallow waters such as ponds, ditches, marshes, and stream banks. It is native to Europe and Asia but can also be found in North America.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow the lance-leaved water plantain in a container?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a container filled with soil and placed in shallow water.
Q: How often should I water the lance-leaved water plantain?
A: The plant requires consistently moist soil, so it should be watered regularly.
Q: What is the best time to plant the lance-leaved water plantain?
A: The best time to plant the lance-leaved water plantain is in the spring when the soil is warm and moist.
Q: Can the lance-leaved water plantain be grown in a bog garden?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in a bog garden that is consistently moist.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Alisma genus:- Alisma plantago-aquatica (Common water plantain)- Alisma gramineum (Grassy water plantain)- Alisma subcordatum (American water plantain)
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Alisma lanceolatum With. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ALLA3- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Alisma lanceolatum. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286036&isprofile=0&pt=12- Flora of North America. (n.d.). Alisma lanceolatum. Retrieved from http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242424877
