Aquatic perennial found in shallow water with erect or floating leaves that are oval or elliptic and sharply pointed at the leaf apex (acute). Any leaves that form underwater are weak and quick to rot; they rarely remain on adult plants.
Fibrous rooted, perennial forb that grows in shallow water; white flowers are borne in whorls on many branched flower stalks; style shorter than or (equal to) ovary, anthers rounded; oval leaf blades held above the water or float on it.
Habitat
Shallow ponds, stream margins, marshes, and ditches.
Flower Characteristics
Bisexual, with 1/16 to 1/8 inch long sepals; 3 white petals are 1/16 to 1/8 inch long with a long pointed tip and slightly unevenly cut margins. Flowers are in a loosely branched (panicle) stalk.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Leaves rise above the surface (rarely floating), to 7 inches long and 4-3/4 inches wide, egg-shaped to elliptic; stems triangular-shaped.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Cluster of achenes (small 1-seeded dry fruit that does not split open) 1/16 to 1/4 inch in diameter. Each achene has an ascending prolonged tip, is about 1/16 inch long, and has a rounded outer edge with a single groove.