This species has an abundant population and wide distribution. It faces no major widespread threats and populations are stable. Listed as Least Concern.

Alisma plantago-aquatica is found throughout Europe and Asia, but is most common in temperate latitudes. It is common around the Mediterranean basin, as well as on the eastern coasts of Africa. It occurs in Australia, South America and North America, where it develops from the sub-tropical climate of Florida to the boreal forests of Canada.

In the African Mediterranean region, it occurs in Algeria (common in the Tell), Egypt (very rare; Nile delta), Morocco (strait of Gibraltar), and Tunisia (particularly in north-east, Sejenane, Kroumirie and Cap BonNorth). It is found in Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi). In Democratic Republic of Congo, the plant is found in Lac Albert, Lacs Edouard and Kivu, the Kikeri volcanic swamps, at Kamatembe in the Bishakishaki River.

In north Eastern Africa it has also been found in Egypt (Lake Nasser), Sudan, Eithiopia and Eritrea. In Eastern Africa the plant is widely spread in Kenya. It has been recorded in Trans-Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Embu, Nyeri, Nairobi and Narok district. It is a weed in rice fields. Also recorded from Tanzania and Uganda. It is widespread and not declining in Southern Africa where it is considered as introduced.


Global distribution: Alisma plantago-aquatica is found throughout Europe and Asia, but is most common in temperate latitudes. It is common around the Mediterranean basin, as well as on the eastern coasts of Africa. It occurs in Australia, South America and North America, where it develops from the sub-tropical climate of Florida to the boreal forests of Canada.

A. plantago-aquatica is relatively abundant over its distribution area, except in Egypt where it is considered as very rare.

Perennial aquatic or marsh herb. The plant is partly emerged and fixed in the water bottom with thin roots densely covering a short tuberous rhizome. In acidotrophic and oligotrophic to eutrophic habitats. Well associated with low water force and a silt or silt-mixed substrate, and usually growson channel edges. Muddy habitats in ponds, marshes, swamps or river margins, usually shallow water.

There are no major threats to this species. It may be impacted in the future by habitat loss due to agriculture and sudden droughts.

There are no conservation measures in place and regarding the abundance of this species no measures are necessary. Conservation measures and legal protection for the populations of A. plantago-aquatica in Egypt should be explored.