Water Plantain is a native aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial with broad, oval leaves and tall, branching stalks bearing whorls of small, three-petaled white to pale pink flowers. Found across North America in shallow water and wet soils, it produces clouds of tiny flowers through summer. The plantain-like leaves emerge above the water surface, giving the plant its common name. Water Plantain was used medicinally by various Indigenous peoples.
Best time to see a Water Plantain
The best time to see a Water Plantain is July–August, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,120 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Water Plantain? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Water Plantain sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Water Plantain?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.