Distribution: Occurring west of the Cascades crest in southwestern Washington; southern British Columbia to Oregon; also in Maryland.

Habitat: Lake and pond margins, often where disturbed.

Flowers: June-September

Origin: Introduced from Europe

Growth Duration: Annual, Biennial

Conservation Status: Not of concern

Mostly sprawling, glabrous to glaucous annual or biennial to 50 cm.

Mostly alternate, often appearing basal, simple, oblanceolate, 5-30 cm long, petiole inconspicuous.

Sepals 5, distinct, 1-1.5 mm; petals absent. Staminodes white to pink or red-tipped, giving the appearance of petals due to their color. Stamens 5, styles 3, ovary superior.

+/- 3-sided utricle with white to tan seeds.