Family: Alismataceae — water-plantain family
Water-plantains are found in aquatic or wetland habitats. The leaves, usually on long stalks (petioles), may stand up out of the water or float on the surface. The flowers of water plantains are clustered in whorls around the usually erect stems. They are actinomorphic (radially symmetrical) with 3 white petals and 3 green sepals. In the flower, there are 6 or more stamens curving outward from the center. The stamens, petals, and sepals attach below the ovary at the base of the carpels. Each carpel matures as a small, seed-like fruit called an achene.
This family’s genera in New England
Visit this family in the Dichotomous Key