Pronounced (approximate): ah-LIZ-mah triv-ee-AL-ee
Three white petals surround a greenish center above an airy network of branching flower stalks. The petals extend noticeably beyond the green sepals.
Northern Water-plantain (Alisma triviale): three white petals extending beyond green sepals. Tap the photo to open the gallery.
Family Alismataceae
Life cycle Perennial
Blooms June–September
Height 6 to 40 inches
Habitat Sunny muddy shores, marshes and shallow water
Common names: Northern Water-plantain · Large-flowered Water-plantain · Northern Water Plantain
Bloom timing varies with latitude, weather and local conditions.
Explore reported observations. Sightings are not a complete range map.
Sunny muddy shores, marshes and shallow water. Flowering season: June–September.
Southern Water-plantain (Alisma subcordatum) has smaller petals that barely exceed the sepals. Leaf shape alone is unreliable. The selected flower photographs favor Alisma triviale; photographs without sufficient diagnostic detail are withheld.
Flowers have three white petals that extend beyond the shorter green sepals.
Broad, smooth leaves arise on long stalks from a basal rosette.
Widely branching flower stalks later bear small rings of dry fruits. Pair close views with a photograph of the whole plant.
6 field photographs. Select a photograph to enlarge it; use Load more photos to see the rest.
Native from subarctic North America south to northern Baja California.
Reported U.S. distribution
AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY
Includes native and introduced state records where listed; a state record does not imply occurrence in every county.
Observation maps show submitted records, not every place the plant occurs. Follow local access rules when visiting a site.
Practice recognizing Northern Water-plantain in the flower quiz, or compare it with other plants in the guide.
Field photographs: Where’s Wildlife.