Southern Water-plantain
Alisma subcordatum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Southern Water-plantain (Alisma subcordatum) is a native aquatic forb found across most US states, blooming white flowers from June through August in wetlands and shallow water.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Southern Water-plantain as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 34 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Southern water-plantain is an aquatic perennial that thrives in wet soils and shallow water areas. It produces small white flowers in summer on tall, branching stems above broad, heart-shaped leaves. This plant requires consistently moist to wet conditions and is best suited for pond edges, rain gardens, or boggy areas.
Growing Southern Water-plantain
Grow Southern Water-plantain in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Southern Water-plantain takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires specialized wet conditions that look unfinished in typical landscaping
- Aquatic appearance may seem out of place in standard residential settings
- Limited to very specific water garden or pond applications
Wildlife value
The summer flowers attract bees and flies for pollination. Seeds provide food for waterfowl and other birds that frequent wetland areas.
Common questions
- Where does Southern Water-plantain grow naturally?
- Alisma subcordatum is native to most of the United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Colorado and New Mexico, growing in wetlands, pond edges, and shallow water.
- When does Southern Water-plantain bloom?
- This aquatic plant produces small white flowers from June through August, with blooms arranged in branched clusters above the water.
- What pollinators visit Southern Water-plantain?
- The small flowers attract various bees and flies that can access the shallow blooms near water surfaces.
- What growing conditions does Southern Water-plantain need?
- This plant requires consistently wet to saturated soil or shallow standing water, and tolerates full sun to partial shade conditions.
- Is Southern Water-plantain toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Southern Water-plantain as toxic to livestock.
- Is Southern Water-plantain HOA-friendly?
- Southern 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 Southern Water-plantain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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