Grows in bogs or shallow water, margins of slow-moving streams, swamps, and pond margins; in water 1-12 in. deep the leaves float on the surface; slow to become established; spreads by rhizomes; sun to partial shade; plant in 2 to 5-gallon container; cultivated in water gardens. Prefers acid, loamy soil under shallow, moving water. Emergent aquatic in muck or quiet fresh waters. Glaucous blue-green leaf color.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Edible; Herbaceous Perennial; Native Plant; Poisonous; Water Plant; Wildflower
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0)
Soil drainage
Frequent Standing Water | Moist | Occasionally Wet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
High
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Medium
Leaf color
Blue; Gray/Silver; Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Elliptical
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Velvety
Leaf size
> 6 inches long
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
5-18 in. stalked, elliptical to broadly strap-like dark bluish-green leaves with parallel veins. Leaves have a velvety sheen on the underside making allowing them to shed water. Floats on the surface of water over 12 in. deep.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Green; White
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Spadix
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
Long white and golden yellow club-like spadix, not enclosed by a spathe. The terminal 2-4 in. section is fertile with many small, greenish yellow flowers. Blooms from March to April.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Fruit color
Green
Fruit value
Edible
Fruit detail
Berry-like bumpy green fruit. Seeds are edible once thoroughly cooked. Displays in May.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
USA, NC
Distribution
AL , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , KY , LA , MA , MD , MS , NC , NJ , NY , PA , RI , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Fruit; Roots; Seeds; Nuts
Harvest time
Spring
Edibility
EDIBLE PARTS: Roots and seeds HARVEST TIME: Only collect roots and seeds from areas you know have NOT been treated with pesticides. Collect roots in spring. SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES: Scrub roots and soak seeds thoroughly with warm water to remove dirt and debris. Do not use dish detergent or any type of sanitizer. These products can leave a residue. NEVER eat roots raw -- they can be very bitter. Boil for at least 30 minutes, changing the water several times during boiling. Serve with butter or lemon juice. Dry collected seeds in the same manner as you would dried peas or beans. Boil for at least 45 minutes, changing the water often. Serve like peas.
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Burning and swelling of lips, tongue, and throat from raw plant parts; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur; contact with cell sap may cause skin irritation.