What plant is that?
Photos: left – © Doug McGrady, center – © Corey Raimond, right – © Mike Graziano
The June Mystery Plant is a native floating aquatic herb with no roots and no apparent leaves. It is found in the shallow water of lakes and ponds throughout New England. Underwater a whorl of finely divided leaves bears appendages that aid in floatation and even harbor microscopic animalcules. The purple, 2-lipped, irregular flowers rise a few inches above the water surface and may be found from June to August. This should be an easy plant to key in Newcomb’s or using GoBotany – have fun!




Doug McGrady
Robin Baranowski