Seeds are a major food source for waterfowl, game birds, and songbirds, while flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Historically used in folk medicine, and young leaves were sometimes eaten as cooked greens by indigenous peoples (though with caution).
While native, it can behave weedy in agricultural areas, but remains an important species for wetland biodiversity.
Seeds are a major food source for waterfowl, game birds, and songbirds, while flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Historically used in folk medicine, and young leaves were sometimes eaten as cooked greens by indigenous peoples (though with caution).
While native, it can behave weedy in agricultural areas, but remains an important species for wetland biodiversity.
Bloom: mid-summer to early fall
Habitats: ditches along railroads and roadsides; edges of lakes and ponds; marshes; moist waste areas; mudflats and gravel bars of rivers; prairie swales
Lifespan: annual
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): forb (2.5 to 4 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: fertile soil with abundant organic matter
