Northern Water-plantain
Alisma triviale
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Northern Water-plantain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz