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Cliffe, Harry

Pistia stratiotes

Pistia stratiotes L.

Water Lettuce

Araceae (Arum Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: PIST2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), HI (I), PR (N), VI (N)

Small floating aquatic plant with inconspicuous white flowers on a spadix embedded in a rosette of green leaves.

This aggressive plant rapidly covers vast expanses of open water in southern wetlands, especially cypress swamps. Its growth is so dense and compact that it gives the illusion it can be walked upon. It is sometimes used as an aquarium plant.

From the Image Gallery

9 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Berry

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , DE , FL , GA , HI , LA , MD , MS , NC , NJ , NY , SC , TX
Native Distribution: Florida west to Texas.
Native Habitat: Still waters of ponds, ditches, and swamps; slow-moving streams.

National Wetland Indicator Status

Region:	AGCP	AK	AW	CB	EMP	GP	HI	MW	NCNE	WMVE
Status:	OBL		OBL	OBL	OBL	OBL	OBL	OBL	OBL	OBL

This information is derived from: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (2023). 2022 National Wetland Plant List, version 3.6. U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS. https://wetland-plants.usace.army.mil/. Click here for map of regions.

Additional resources

USDA: Find Pistia stratiotes in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Pistia stratiotes in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Pistia stratiotes

Metadata

Record Modified: 2015-05-08
Research By: TWC Staff

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