How much sun does Northern Water-plantain need?

Northern Water-plantain grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Northern Water-plantain bloom?

Northern Water-plantain blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Northern Water-plantain native?

Northern Water-plantain (Alisma triviale) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 26 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Northern Water-plantain HOA-friendly?

Northern Water-plantain takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Northern Water-plantain

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Alisma triviale

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Northern Water-plantain (Alisma triviale) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 26 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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Northern water-plantain is an aquatic perennial that thrives in wet soils and shallow water areas. It produces broad basal leaves and tall spikes of small white flowers during summer months. This plant requires consistently moist to wet conditions and is best suited for water gardens or bog areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Water-plantain takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires specialized wet conditions uncommon in typical landscapes
Can appear weedy or unkempt outside of formal water features
May spread aggressively in suitable wet conditions

Wildlife value

The flowers attract various small pollinators including flies and beetles. Waterfowl and other birds may feed on the seeds when available.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Water-plantain need?: Northern Water-plantain grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Northern Water-plantain bloom?: Northern Water-plantain blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Northern Water-plantain native?: Northern Water-plantain (Alisma triviale) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 26 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Northern Water-plantain HOA-friendly?: Northern Water-plantain takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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