Status:
valid
Authors:
(Pursh) Arn.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1830
Citation Micro:
Edinburgh J. Nat. Geogr. Sci. 1: 431 (1830)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000665298
Common Names
- Elatine americana
- Americana Elatine
- American Elatine
Synonyms
- Potamopitys americana Kuntze [unknown]
- Alsinastrum americanum Torr. & A.Gray ex Rupr. [unknown]
- Cryptina minima Nutt. [unknown]
- Elatine americana callitriche Hook.f. [unknown]
- Elatine triandra americana (Pursh) Fassett [unknown]
- Elatine triandra americana (Pursh) Á.Löve & D.Löve [unknown]
- Peplis americana Pursh [unknown]
Description
Elatine americana (also called Waterwort, among many other common names) is an aquatic plant native to North America. It grows in shallow water, often in ponds, marshes, and streams, and has small, oval leaves that are usually arranged in a whorl.
Uses & Benefits
Elatine americana is an ornamental plant used in gardens and landscapes. It is also used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, headaches, and stomachaches.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Elatine americana has small white flowers with three petals and three sepals. Its seeds are small, black and round. Its seedlings have a pair of cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Elatine americana can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or summer in a moist, well-drained soil. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer and should be planted in a moist, well-drained soil. Both methods should be done in a sunny location.
Where to Find Elatine americana
Elatine americana can be found in the Mediterranean region, especially in the eastern part of the Mediterranean basin.
Elatine americana FAQ
What is the common name of Elatine americana?
American Waterwort
What is the natural habitat of Elatine americana?
Shallow water and wet soils
What is the size of Elatine americana?
Small annual herb, up to 10 cm tall
Species in the Elatine genus
Elatine ojibwayensis,
Elatine alsinastrum,
Elatine ambigua,
Elatine americana,
Elatine brachysperma,
Elatine brochonii,
Elatine californica,
Elatine camphylosperma,
Elatine chilensis,
Elatine ecuadoriensis,
Elatine fassettiana,
Elatine fauquei,
Elatine glaziovii,
Elatine gratioloides,
Elatine heterandra,
Elatine hexandra,
Elatine hungarica,
Elatine hydropiper,
Elatine lindbergii,
Elatine lorentziana,
Elatine macrocalyx,
Elatine macropoda,
Elatine madagascariensis,
Elatine major,
Elatine minima,
Elatine paramoana,
Elatine peruviana,
Elatine rubella,
Elatine spathulata,
Elatine triandra,
Elatine rotundifolia,
Elatine gussonei,
Species in the Elatinaceae family
Bergia aestivosa,
Bergia ammannioides,
Bergia anagalloides,
Bergia arenaroides,
Bergia auriculata,
Bergia barklyana,
Bergia capensis,
Bergia decumbens,
Bergia diacheiron,
Bergia erecta,
Bergia glomerata,
Bergia glutinosa,
Bergia guineensis,
Bergia henshallii,
Bergia mairei,
Bergia mossambicensis,
Bergia occultipetala,
Bergia pedicellaris,
Bergia pentheriana,
Bergia perennis,
Bergia polyantha,
Bergia pusilla,
Bergia salaria,
Bergia serrata,
Bergia sessiliflora,
Bergia spathulata,
Bergia suffruticosa,
Bergia texana,
Bergia trimera,
Bergia anagalloides,
Bergia ammannioides,
Elatine ojibwayensis,
Elatine alsinastrum,
Elatine ambigua,
Elatine americana,
Elatine brachysperma,
Elatine brochonii,
Elatine californica,
Elatine camphylosperma,
Elatine chilensis,
Elatine ecuadoriensis,
Elatine fassettiana,
Elatine fauquei,
Elatine glaziovii,
Elatine gratioloides,
Elatine heterandra,
Elatine hexandra,
Elatine hungarica,
Elatine hydropiper,
Elatine lindbergii,