Zizania spp.
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration courtesy of University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Used with permission.
What is Wild Rice?
Physical Characteristics
Leaves:
- 4.72-43.30 inches long
- Flat
Flowers:
- Loose
- Branching
- Large clusters
- 1-flowered spikelets
Stem:
- Hollow
- Up to 9 feet long
Where Does it Grow?
Wild rice can be found in ponds and lakes or along the edges of streams and marshes.
Pros and Cons of Wild Rice
Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.
What Type of Wild Rice Do I Have?
There are three common types of wild rice in North America. Click on the buttons to learn more about each species.