Water Lettuce
Pistia spp.
Also known as
Water Cabbage, Nile Cabbage, Tropical Duckweed, Shell Flower
Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) by Mokkie (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Frequent watering
Half-hardy
10a
USDA zone
-1°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
20cm | Max | 1m |
10cm | Min | 50cm |
3 years to reach maturity
More images of Water Lettuce
Water Lettuce Overview
Pistia is a genus with just 1 species of aquatic, semi-evergreen perennial in the arum family, Araceae. It is known as Pistia stratiotes and this species also has the common names of Water Lettuce and Nile Cabbage, amongst others. Flowers are small, yellow-cream in colour and non-showy, leading onto small, green berries. Thick, soft and hairy leaves are arranged in a rosette. This species is dioecious and thus produces male and female flowers on individual plants. It is typically grown for its attractive foliage, it floats on the water surface and is found in almost all tropical and subtropical fresh waterways. Its classed as an invasive species in many locations.
Special features of Water Lettuce
Attractive leaves
Wet sites
Other uses of Water Lettuce
Grown for its aquatic foliage. It is suitable for tropical aquariums and frost free pools.
.jpg){kind=link}
