Waterpod
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(Hydrolea quadrivalvis)
Waterpod (Hydrolea quadrivalvis)
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Ashwin Srinivasan
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Ashwin Srinivasan
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Ashwin Srinivasan | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Ashwin Srinivasan | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-08-13T12:28:56-07:00 |
Summary
Hydrolea quadrivalvis, commonly known as waterpod, is a perennial herb that is native to wetland habitats such as swamps, marshes, and wet ditches in the southeastern United States. It is found in states like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, and has been introduced to Maryland. The plant typically grows up to 24 inches tall and features lanceolate leaves that are 2-4 inches long. It is characterized by stout thorns on the nodes and distinctive sepals and stems with spreading, jointed hairs.
Waterpod is valued for its role in supporting wetland biodiversity and can be used in water gardens or naturalized wetland plantings. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. While it is not commonly used in traditional garden settings, its presence in a wetland garden can provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to water purification. Gardeners should be aware that this plant thrives in wet environments and may not be suitable for drier areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Waterpod is valued for its role in supporting wetland biodiversity and can be used in water gardens or naturalized wetland plantings. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. While it is not commonly used in traditional garden settings, its presence in a wetland garden can provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to water purification. Gardeners should be aware that this plant thrives in wet environments and may not be suitable for drier areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 1-2.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Blue, Purple
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Standing
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to wetland habitats such as swamps, marshes, and wet ditches
Other Names
Common Names: Hydrolea, Spiny False Fiddleleaf, Southern Hydrolea
Scientific Names: Hydrolea quadrivalvis, Hydrolea bartramii, Hydrolea caroliniana, Hydrolea opercularia, Hydrolea quadrivalvis var. inermis, Nama caroliniana, Nama quadrivalvis, Sagonea aquatica
GBIF Accepted Name: Hydrolea quadrivalvis