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Lemna trisulca
Lemna trisulca L.
Star Duckweed
Lemnaceae (Duckweed Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: LETR
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
Duckweeds are useful as a water crop as they can acclimatize themselves to almost all growing conditions, with some thriving in manure-rich or eutrophic waters. They reproduce quickly, extending over large surface areas, and are easily harvested. Their high fat and protein content makes them a source of food for animals and poultry.
Duckweeds have potential in wastewater treatment, absorbing excess nutrients from surface waters, including phosphorus and ammonias, reducing suspended solids, and reducing biochemical oxygen demand.
Eaten by Blue Herons and Moose. (Rook)
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Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Size Notes: Floats on the surface of the water.
Leaf: Green
Fruit: Utricle.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: GreenBloom Time: Apr , May
Distribution
USA: AK , AL , AR , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DE , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MT , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OR , PA , RI , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WYCanada: AB , BC , MB , NB , NS , NT , NU , ON , PE , QC , SK , YT
Native Habitat: Swamp/Marsh,Fresh Water Aquatic
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
CaCO3 Tolerance: Low
Aquatic: yes
Benefit
Attracts: BirdsNational Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | OBL | OBL | OBL | OBL | OBL | OBL | OBL | OBL |
Web Reference
Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Lemna trisulca in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Lemna trisulca in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Lemna trisulca
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-04-10Research By: TWC Staff