Water Willow Plants

Water willows, or Justicia Americana, are aquatic flowers in North America. Water willows are often used as food by ducks, fish, deer, reptiles, and other similar animals in the wild. These plants are considered perennial because they can live up to two years or longer than most seasonal plants. Water willows produce underground stems called slender rhizomes that allow them to grow large colonies. Since this plant lives longer than most plants similar in size, it can sustain its colonies for more extended periods. These colonies can grow over a thousand square feet. They are often found in large ribbons around the waterfront or shorelines of lakes and streams; these often appear as mats due to their dense roots.

Water Willow is an excellent plant for wetland areas

This plant is found on the outskirts of the United States from places like Vermont to Texas. They are mainly found in the Mid-West to the East Coast. Water willows often grow in shallow waters on rivers and streams where the land riffles. Depending on the temperature, they can thrive in USDA Zone 3a to 10b. Water willows alone can grow at any time of year except in winter. This plant can grow 2 to 4 ft tall.

Though the Water willows can often grow most of the year, they bloom flowers from May to October or June to September, depending on the location; Water Willows often grow white flowers with purple inner trim. Their flowers grow about a ½ inch in diameter and branch from long, thin stems. Water willows are part of the Acanthus family, which contains more than two thousand related species. This family ranges from herbs to trees and bushes.