Family - Pontederiaceae

Stems - No info. yet.

Leaves - No info. yet.

Inflorescence - No info. yet.

Inflorescence.

Flowers - No info. yet.

Flowers.

Flowering - June - October.

Habitat - Swamps, lakes, ponds, river bottoms.

Origin - Native to U.S.

Other info. - This striking species can be found scattered along the margins of the state, but is apparently absent from most of the interior counties. The plant is easy to ID in the field because of its growth habit, shiny green leaves, and purple flowers. It can, and often is, grown as an ornamental in garden ponds.
The young leaves of this species can be eaten as well as the nutritious, grain-like fruits.

Photographs taken in Brown Summit, NC., 6-10-02.