Wetland and Aquatic Plants of Oklahoma

Interactive Keys: Emergent

Legume (Fabaceae)

Indian jointvetch (Aeschynomene indica L.) 
Native annual.
                                                                                                                                                        click on thumbnails to enlarge

NWI status: FACW+

Mudplantains (Pontederiaceae)

Blue mudplantain (Heteranthera limosa (Sw.) Willd.) 
Native annual.

Note: Although blue mudplantain can be found throughout the state, it is most common in ponds associated with sand dune swales.

NWI status: OBL

Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata L.) 
Native perennial.

Note: The seeds are eaten by some bird species.  The pickerelweed moth (Bellura densa) completes it is life cycle on only this plant  and water hyacinth.  The seeds can be ground into a flour and the greens cooked as a potherb or used in salads. Pickerelweed is an attractive choice for the water garden and is available through the horticulture trade.

Irises (Iridaceae)

Virginia iris (Iris virginica L.) 
Native perennial.

Note: Used by the Cherokee to treat urinary disorders and as a salve for ulcers.  Excellent plants for the water garden and are available in the horticulture trade.

Alligator-flag (Marantaceae)

Powdery alligator-flag (Thalia dealbata Fraser ex Roscoe) 
Native perennial.

Note: An excellent plant for the water garden. Cultivated specimens are available through the horticulture trade.

Chatterbox orchid (Epipactis gigantea Dougl. ex Hook.) 
Native perennial.

Last update: 4/20/04
Comments to : Bruce Hoagland

bhoagland@ou.edu

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