Duck Potato

Description:

Duck potato is a highly rhizomatous perennial broadleaf emergent capable of attaining heights of 4 feet. The terminal hastate or sagittate leaves are 4 to 12 inches long and acute. Each leaf lobe has an equally distinct vein radiating to it from the leaf base. Vegetative production peaks in July, but by mid fall the emergent plant parts annually die back to the root crown. Prior to the annual die back, nutrients and carbohydrates are translocated to subterranean tubers (root storage organs). — plants.usda.gov

Habitat:

Duck potato has a native range which extends from New Brunswick to British Columbia, south to Florida, California and Mexico. This broadleaf emergent thrives in finely textured unconsolidated organic and silty wet soils. Such conditions are typically found in marshes, swamps, forested seeps, ditches, and in the shallows of streams, lakes and ponds. Duck potato thrives in fresh water 6 to 12 inches deep, full sun exposure, with pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5, but is tolerant of less adequate conditions. — plants.usda.gov