Proserpinaca palustris

Water Mermaid

Water mermaid is a native perennial found in swamps, marshes, shores, and ephemeral woodland ponds. When above the waterline, the plant exhibits leaves that resemble rosemary with serrated edges. When submerged, Water mermaid looks like a totally different plant with saw-toothed leaves which are even more ornate.

Bloom Color

White

Characteristics & Attributes

Exposure

•	Sun
•	Partial Shade

Mature Height

•

< 1'

Spread Characteristics

•	Prolific Seeder
•	Stoloniferous - Rapid

Season of Interest (Flowering)

•

Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

•	Spring
•	Summer

Pond Zonation

•	Low Marsh 0 - 6"
•	Shallow Water 6" - 12"

Foliage Color

•

Green

Wildlife Benefits

•	Amphibians
•	Cover
•	Food
•	Nesting
•	Waterfowl

Critter Resistance

•	Deer Resistant

Wetland Indicator Status

•

OBL

Plant Type

•	Bog/Marsh
•	Flowering Perennial
•	Marginal
•	Oxygenator
•	Submergent

Attributes

•	Container
•	Erosion Control
•	Ground Cover
•	Mass Planting
•	Native
•	Naturalizing
•	Storm Water Basin

USDA Hardiness Zone

•	2
•	3
•	4
•	5
•	6
•	7
•	8