A vigorous marginal aquatic perennial native to stream and pond margins. In the wild plants forms dense colonies. Glossy, narrow, arrowhead-shaped green leaves rise above the water surface. Tiny, tubular flowers are densely packed on tall flower stalks that rise rising 12-24’ above the water’s surface.
Seeds are edible off the plant or can be dried and added to granola cereals and tender young leaves can be used as salad greens.
Dragonflies and damselflies lay their eggs on stems near the water surface and fish find shelter in plant clumps.