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Heteranthera reniformis
Floating Leaf Mud Plantain (Kidney-leaf mud-plantain)
Heteranthera reniformis, also known as Floating leaf mud plantain, is an OBL wetland herbaceous annual that grows along the banks of slow moving streams, ponds, or rivers. Heteranthera reniformis spreads by creeping stems, usually growing 5 - 8 inches tall with green, glossy, somewhat spongey foliage. Floating leaf mud plantain primary successional species in wetlands, usually forming dense mats until shaded out by other species. Blooming can occur any time between May through September, depending on plant hardiness zone. They spread by seed, which persists within the soil seed bank. While their habitat range is large, they are considered a rare species due to its need for niche habitat, fluctuating populations due to habitat change, and the overall difficulty to monitor (due to above).
- » Summer bloom
- » OBL wetland indicator
- » Stream bank stabilization and erosion control
Additional Information
| Color |
Blue |
Heteranthera reniformis, Floating leaf mud plantain, has bright green glossy almost kidney-shaped leaves growing on sprawling stems with delicate light blue flowers during summer and early fall. Flowers open about 3 hours after sunrise. Floating leaf mud plantain is well suited for use in small ponds and water gardens.