Description
Isoetes howellii (also called Howell's Quillwort, among many other common names) is a small, perennial, evergreen, aquatic plant. It is native to the western United States, and is found in shallow, alkaline lakes and ponds. It has a short stem and long, narrow leaves that are arranged in a rosette. The leaves are dark green in color and have a quill-like texture.
Uses & Benefits
Isoetes howellii is often used in landscaping and garden designs, as it is an attractive and hardy fern. It is also used in rock gardens, as a ground cover, and for erosion control.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Isoetes howellii has small, greenish-brown flowers that are borne in cone-like structures. The seeds are small and dark brown in colour. The seedlings are very small, with a single central stem and a whorl of leaves at the top.
Cultivation and Propagation
Isoetes howellii is propagated by spore or bulbil production. The spores are sown on a moist, sterile medium and kept in a warm, humid environment. The bulbils can be planted directly in moist soil and kept in a warm, humid environment.