Bacopa caroliniana (Walter) B.L. Rob.

Blue Water Hyssop; Sweet Water Hyssop; Carolina Water Hyssop

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Blue Water Hyssop is a native herbaceous perennial species in the Plantain family (Plantaginaceae). It is found in the southern half of Alabama. Blue Water Hyssop grows submerged or emergent in ponds and lakes, cypress ponds, ox box lakes, slow moving streams and rivers, and in ditches and canals. It can grow submerged in water as deep as 6 feet. It is a perennial from rhizomes forming extensive mats. Stems are spongy and root at the nodes. The stems are green in color and pubescent. The leaves are opposite, sessile, ovate in outline, slightly toothed or entire, with clasping bases. The leaves are green in color, thick and spongy in texture, and pubescent along the veins on the lower surface. All parts of the plants release a minty or citrus odor when damaged. Flowers are solitary from the axils of the leaves. There are 2 subulate bracts just below the flower. The flowers have 4-5 nearly distinct sepals and 3-5 corolla lobes. The corolla is bright or deep blue or purple in color. The fruit is a capsule. Blue Water Hyssop is a popular aquarium or pool plant. It is available from many nurseries that sell aquatic plants. It can be grown submerged, floating, or rooted in shallow water in pools or aquariums. Plants can be propagated by rooting cuttings.--A. Diamond

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Native OBL (NWPL)

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