water soldier

plant

Also known as: Stratiotes aloides

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "water soldier" can refer to two different plants. The primary definition, and the one also known as "false water lily," is a European aquatic plant called Stratiotes aloides. This plant has bayonet-shaped leaves that are submerged when it's in its vegetative stage but float when it flowers.1

Additionally, "water soldier" can also refer to Pistia stratiotes, which is commonly known as water lettuce. Another plant, the water shield (Brasenia schreberi), is sometimes also called "water shield" and is a small, purple-flowered aquatic plant found in still waters globally, except in Europe.12

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Hydrocharitaceae
The water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) bears rosettes of tough sharp-edged leaves that float in summer but sink and decay in the autumn. Vallisneria spiralis and V. americana are two eelgrasses commonly used as aquarium plants. Turtle grass (Thalassia species) is often washed ashore in such quantities…
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The water soldier (Stratiotes aloides) bears rosettes of tough sharp-edged leaves that float in summer but sink and decay in the autumn. Vallisneria spiralis and V. americana are two eelgrasses commonly used as aquarium plants. Turtle grass (Thalassia species) is often washed ashore in such quantities…
Read More