Alisma lanceolatum is a type of aquatic plant that belongs to the water plantain family.
This plant is also known by its common names, Lanceleaf Water Plantain and Narrow-leaved Water Plantain.
Where Is Lanceleaf Water Plantain Found?
Lanceleaf Water Plantain plant is widespread across Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia.
It has also been naturalized in places like Australia, New Zealand, Oregon, California, and British Columbia. However, it’s considered a noxious weed in some areas.
How Does Lanceleaf Water Plantain Affect Rice Fields?
Lanceleaf Water Plantain is a weed that is found in rice fields in many areas, including New South Wales and California.
This plant species can cause problems for rice farmers by competing with the rice plants for resources.
What Is Lanceleaf Water Plantain’s Distribution in The UK and Ireland?
Lanceleaf Water Plantain is found in different parts of the UK and Ireland.
In England and Wales, it is occasionally found in local areas, while in Ireland, it’s quite rare. In Scotland, this plant is very rare.
What Is Its Habitat?
This plant is found in mud and fresh waters, making it a suitable plant for aquatic environments.
What Does Lanceleaf Water Plantain Look Like?
Size and Structure
Lanceleaf Water Plantain is a perennial herb that grows from a caudex in the water or mud.
It usually reaches a height of about 0.7 meters and a spread of 0.25 meters.
Leaves
This plant produces lance-shaped leaves that are 12 to 20 centimeters long and 4 centimeters wide on long petioles.
The leaves that remain submerged in water are smaller and less prominently veined.
Inflorescence and Flowers
The inflorescence of Lanceleaf Water Plantain is mostly erect and can grow up to half a meter tall.
Lanceleaf Water Plantain produces a wide array of small pinkish-purple flowers with three petals. These flowers open in the morning from June until August.
Fruit and Seeds
The fruit of Lanceleaf Water Plantain is a tiny achene that is about 2 or 3 millimeters long.
The fruits cluster into an aggregate fruit of about 20 units. The seeds are reddish-brown and approximately 1.5 millimeters long.
How Can Lanceleaf Water Plantain Be Cultivated?
Alisma lanceolatum can be grown in water that is 15-30 centimeters deep and in full sun.
It’s suitable for USDA hardiness zones 5-8.
How is Lanceleaf Water Plantain different from Common Water-plantain?
Lanceleaf Water Plantain is similar to another water plantain species called the Common Water-plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica).
However, there are some differences between the two:
Leaf Tips
The leaf tips of Common Water-plantain are acute and don’t taper to a stalk, unlike Lanceleaf Water Plantain.
Flowers
The flowers of Common Water-plantain usually open in the afternoon, while those of Lanceleaf Water Plantain open in the morning.
The leaves of Common Water-plantain are also wider than those of Lanceleaf Water Plantain.
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Order: | Alismatales |
| Family: | Alismataceae |
| Genus: | Alisma |
| Scientific Name: | Alisma lanceolatum |
| Also Known As: | Lanceleaf Water Plantain, Narrow-leaved Water Plantain |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |