Pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum)

Plant Family: Pipewort, Eriocaulaceae

Wetland Indicator Status: OBL

Pipewort flower
Pipewort flower closeup with a fly on top.

Pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum) is a very small aquatic plant with a height of only 5-20 cm when on exposed shore, but stems will be longer deeper water.  Despite the smallness of the plant and that sexual reproduction must occur in outside of the water, it is found growing to depths of up to 7 feet.  This plant is easy to over look, especially when only its grass-like leaves are present, but it is worth stooping down to see natures beauty on a small scale.  Pipewort is susceptible to artificial water level increases in stabilization as are mores aquatic plants.

Pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum)
Pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum) plant growing on an exposed lakebed in Northern Wisconsin