Decodon verticillatus Water Willow
General
Known as water-willow or swamp loosestrife, is a wetland plant native to North America. It features clusters of small, star-shaped pink flowers that bloom along its branching stems, which grow in whorls around the upright, aquatic stems. Adaptable to both standing water and moist soil conditions, Decodon verticillatus serves as an important component of wetland ecosystems, providing habitat and food for various aquatic wildlife.
Plant Description
Presents slender, upright stems adorned with whorls of glossy, lance-shaped leaves that taper to a point. Its delicate pink flowers bloom in dense clusters atop the stems, adding a splash of color to marshy and wetland habitats.
Height (ft)
8
Soil moisture
Moist to wet
Soil types
Sandy, loamy
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Full Sun to part shade
Bloom color
Pink to purple
Bloom period
Mid-summer to early fall
Drought tolerance
Intolerant
Salinity tolerance
Low
Self-Pollinating?
No
Range
Found primarily in regions with wetland habitats, including along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida, westward to the Great Lakes region, and southward along the Mississippi River valley.
![Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]](https://newp.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Decodon-verticillatus-1024x625.png "Decodon verticillatus")
