American Water Plantain

Here's a plant name that puzzles me. I'm a real fan of fresh-fried plantains and also plantain chips. But this plant has no relationship to those fruits! The world of wildflower common names is so strange!

Yet, the American Water Plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) is widespread, growing in almost every state. I spotted these at the Jackson Bottom Wetlands, which is a perfect growing area. The tiny white flowers on long stems are attractive and the large green leaves near the ground look exotic.

According to the USDA plant database, waterfowl and upland birds readily consume the seed of this broadleaf species, but the roots have not been observed to be eaten. Although another source says the bulb-like base of several species of Alisma was dried and eaten by Native Americans.

This plant is native to North America. 6/18/2013.