Alisma

(Asian water plantain; Ze xie) Aquatic herb found growing throughout the marshlands of Asia. The rhizomes are diuretic and antibacterial and are commonly used for urinary tract infections, cystitis, painful urination, and kidney stones. In Chinese herbal medicine it removes "damp heat." It thrives along water edges or in shallow water up to 25cm/10" deep, in full or partial sun. Creamy white, pale rose flowers appear July-Sept. Height 60-90cm/2-3ft. Said to be hardy to zone 6. Can be grown indoors in a pot with in muddy soil. Seeds germinate in as few as 2 weeks, but commonly take longer. Seeds should be pressed into soil surface, in a container that can be kept wet and soggy.