Littorella americana
Rhodora 20: 62. 1918.
Perennials fibrous-rooted. Leaves dark green or green when dry, usually arcuate, linear, or subulate, 10–40 × 1–2 mm, glabrous. Spikes: staminate flowers 1, peduncles 5–30 mm, glabrous; pistillate flowers 2–5, at base of plant; bracts rounded. Flowers: sepals 2.5–3 mm; corolla lobes erect; stamen connective to 1 mm. Nutlets 2.5–3 mm. Seeds 2–3 mm. 2n = 12.
Phenology: Flowering summer.
Habitat: Shorelines of lakes, ponds, and slow moving streams.
Elevation: 0–200 m.
Distribution
St. Pierre and Miquelon, N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.S., Ont., Que., Maine, Mich., Minn., N.H., N.Y., Vt., Wis.
Discussion
The relationship between Littorella americana and Eurasian L. uniflora (Linnaeus) Ascherson has been debated. Molecular data provide support for recognition of North American plants as a distinct species (R. K. Hoggard et al. 2003).
Plantago americana (Fernald) Rahn is an invalid name and pertains here.
Selected References
None.