Damasonium alisma
Damasonium alismafam. Alismataceae
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Pl. 3666 — Damasonium alisma
Damasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alismaDamasonium alisma
IOverview
Overview
Damasonium alisma, commonly known as water plantain, is a perennial plant native to eastern Europe and western Asia, with scattered populations in France, Great Britain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Crimea, Portugal, Sicily, and Ukraine. This plant thrives in wet environments such as marshes and along the edges of ponds, preferring light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 5 and 5.5. It is known for its edible root, which can be consumed raw or cooked. Water plantain grows to about 0.3 meters in height and has distinctive broad, rounded leaves that help it stand out in its habitat.
Quick answers
What is Damasonium alisma?
Damasonium alisma, commonly known as water plantain, is a perennial plant native to eastern Europe and western Asia, with scattered populations in France, Great Britain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Crimea, Portugal, Sicily, and Ukraine.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Damasonium alisma thrives in wet conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 5–5.5. It requires ample water and partial to full sunlight, with a light requirement rating of 8/10 indicating it needs significant exposure to grow well. The plant is hardy in temperate regions, with a range of 6-9 on the USDA Hardiness Zone scale. For propagation, Damasonium alisma can be grown from seeds or divisions. Harvest edible root parts for culinary use.
Light
8/10
Water
Wet, Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Life cycle
Annual, Perennial
Mature size
0.3 m tall
Soil pH
5–5.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Damasonium alisma for the first time
8steps
Start with Skip as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Skip plants, well-draining soil, and containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with a pH of 5-5.5.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant Skip from containers into your garden or directly sow seeds in the ground.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light shade, especially during hot summer days. Water as needed to maintain moisture levels.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and stems in late winter to encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough light during the growing season.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Root
Edible uses: The root of Damasonium alisma is edible and can be prepared in various ways. Typically, it is harvested and either cooked or dried before consumption. SKIP
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 11 native
Europe6 regions
native (6)FranceItalyPortugalRussiaUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia1 region
native (1)Kazakhstan
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
5 related
See also
5 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Alismataceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Alismataceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 3666a297-ad13-4f09-b399-61fe6c6005df
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