water lettuce
Pistia stratiotes
USDA zones8 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds moist soil
Size3 to 6 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- White
- Foliage color
- Gray/silver, green, white
Notes
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) is a floating aquatic perennial for ponds and aquariums. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full or part sun and moist soil. It forms a rosette of green leaves with small, inconspicuous white flowers. Growth is rapid and dense, so it can cover open water fast. Thin it often to keep it in check.
Pairs well with Calla lily, Cape sundew, and Lemongrass.
Native range
AZ, CA, DE, FL, and 10 more places. See all 14
AZ, CA, DE, FL, GA, HI, LA, MD, MS, NC, NJ, NY, SC, and TX.