- Appearance
- Sparganium erectum is a perennial wetland or aquatic herbaceous plant that is native to North America. It grows from slender rhizomes with slender terete stems. S. erectum grows from 3-8 ft. (0.9-2.4 m) tall. It is found around the world and is listed as native to North America, Africa, temperate Asia and Europe.
- Foliage
- The long flat leaves are alternate. They are often slightly keeled. The leaves may be either floating or held above the water.
- Flowers
- The inflorescence is branched. Each inflorescence has from 5-13 staminate heads and 2-4 pistillate heads. Pistillate heads are sessile.
- Fruit
- Fruits are obovoid sessile nutlets. Fruits have a truncated top with a small style at the tip.
- Ecological Threat
- Sparganium erectumis a federally listed noxious weed. It can be found in California and other states, as well as Canada. S. erectum is listed as introduced to Australia.
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