Hottonia inflata

Distribution

Portions of the United States, from Texas to Maine.

Description

This aquatic wildflower has basal fibrous roots buried in the underlying mud while thin feather-like roots float freely in the water. The leaves are somewhat variable and can be submergent or floating. The leaves can be linear or filiform and arranged alternately, oppositely or whorled, with a pinnate or bipinnate division. Its flowers are small and white or violet in color, which are located at the end of thickly inflated flower stalks.

Habitat

Featherfoil lives in swamps, ditches, and shallow ponds, including beaver ponds, with relatively stable water levels.