Water Willow Plants

Water Willow Plants Also known as Justicia Americana

Water willow plants are aquatic flowers native to North America. They serve as food for ducks, fish, deer, reptiles, and other wildlife. These plants are perennial and can live for two years or longer, outlasting many seasonal plants.

Water Willow Plants Produce Underground Stems Called Slender Rhizomes

These underground stems allow water willow plants to form large colonies. Their longevity supports extensive growth, with colonies often exceeding a thousand square feet. They commonly form dense mats along the waterfront or shorelines of lakes and streams.

Excellent Plant for Wetland Areas

Water willow plants are found across the outskirts of the United States, from Vermont to Texas, mainly in the Midwest and along the East Coast. They thrive in shallow waters of rivers and streams where riffles occur. Adapted to USDA zones 3a to 10b, they can grow almost year-round except during winter. These plants reach heights of 2 to 4 feet.

Flowering Season

Water willows bloom from May to October or June to September, depending on location. The flowers are white with a purple inner trim, about half an inch in diameter, and branch from long, thin stems. Belonging to the Acanthus family, which includes over two thousand species ranging from herbs to trees and shrubs, water willow plants are a versatile addition to aquatic and wetland landscapes.