Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Alismataceae (Water Plantain)
Maximum Size:
20 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Ditches, marshes, ponds, water, wetland.
Baldellia ranunculoides, or Lesser Water-plantain, produces dainty, three-petalled flowers that range in colour from pale pink to lilac or occasionally white. The petals are rounded and overlap slightly, giving the flowers a delicate, buttercup-like appearance. Each flower is typically 1–2 cm across and borne in open, branched clusters (panicles) on slender, upright stalks. Blooming mainly from June to August, the flowers open in succession, often just a few at a time, and are insect-pollinated.
Fruit:
Following pollination, the flowers develop into small, dry fruits composed of numerous achenes—tiny, one-seeded segments that collectively form a rounded head. The fruiting heads ripen by late summer and are dispersed primarily by water movement. Though small and inconspicuous, the seeds play a key role in the plant’s colonisation of wetland habitats, especially in shallow, nutrient-poor waters.
Leaves:
The leaves of Lesser Water-plantain are variable in shape depending on whether they are submerged or emergent. Submerged leaves are often linear or strap-like, while emergent ones are broader, lanceolate to oval, and held on long stalks above the water or mud surface. All leaves are smooth-edged, soft-textured, and pale to mid-green in colour. The rosette-forming habit and narrow flowering stems help distinguish it from similar aquatic species such as Alisma plantago-aquatica.
Fragrance:
The flowers of Lesser Water-plantain do not emit any noticeable fragrance. Their primary appeal lies in their soft coloration and delicate form, rather than scent. While they do not play a significant olfactory role in their habitat, the flowers still attract small pollinators through visual cues and subtle nectar rewards, contributing to the overall biodiversity of wetland ecosystems.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
Summary
Baldellia ranunculoides, also known as lesser water-plantain, is a species of flowering plant in the family Alismataceae. It has slender dark-green leaves and produces umbels of three-petalled flowers in shades of pale pink and lilac. The plant is native to the Britain and Europe, and is typically found in wetland areas such as marshes, ditches and ponds. In addition to its ornamental value, Baldellia ranunculoides is also a valuable food source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Blog
Lesser Water-Plantain (Baldellia ranunculoides) is an aquatic plant that is native to Europe and Asia. This plant is a popular ornamental species and can be found growing in water gardens, ponds, and marshes. The Lesser Water-Plantain is a member of the Alismataceae family, which is also known as the water-plantain family.
The Lesser Water-Plantain has beautiful, light green leaves that are rounded and have a heart-shaped base. These leaves grow in a rosette pattern and are supported by long, slender stems that can reach up to 50 centimeters in length. The plant produces delicate, white flowers that bloom in the summer and have three petals each. These flowers are small but numerous, and they add a touch of grace and beauty to any water garden or pond.
In terms of care and maintenance, the Lesser Water-Plantain is relatively easy to grow. The plant prefers a sunny location and needs to be planted in water that is about 20-30 centimeters deep. The plant is also fairly hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and water conditions. However, it is important to note that the Lesser Water-Plantain should not be grown in water that is too deep, as this can cause the stems to become too long and leggy.
The Lesser Water-Plantain is also known to have many ecological benefits. For example, it provides habitat and food for a wide range of aquatic animals, such as frogs, dragonflies, and water birds. Additionally, the plant helps to maintain water quality by absorbing excess nutrients and pollutants from the water.
In conclusion, the Lesser Water-Plantain is a beautiful and hardy aquatic plant that is easy to grow and has many ecological benefits. If you're looking to add some color and life to your water garden or pond, the Lesser Water-Plantain is definitely worth considering.
Wild Flower Web