water lettuce

Water lettuce, or water cabbage, is a floating plant unfit for human consumption in the pond with mysterious veins of leaves resembling lettuce heads. Each leaf contains deep ribs, parallel veins, shell-like edges, and no large stems. Water lettuce produces small white or pale green flowers hidden in the foliage, blooming from late summer to late autumn. Water lettuce grows best in freshwater conditions and requires 11 to 12 hours of full sunlight (or dim light in high heat). It is toxic if consumed by humans and pets. The common name is water lettuce, water wrap, Nile wrap. Plant information: Care: Moderate. Botanical name: Pistia stratiotes. Plant type: Perennial. Mature size: 6 inches tall and 10 inches wide. Full and partial sun exposure. Water pH: Neutral. Bloom time: Summer, fall. Flower color: Green, white. Native region: Africa.