Water-plantain grows in shallow water, such as the Montgomery Canal, and muddy river and lake banks.

This large aquatic plant can grow up to a metre in height. Though nothing special to look at, Water-plantain does have very pretty, small pale lilac flowers that start to bloom in June and continue until September.

Individual flowers, however, have a very short life; they usually open in the afternoon and last around six hours before withering. The flowers have three green sepals and three white, lilac or pinkish petals, six stamens and several carpels. Once the flowers have died, the plant's thin branching stems become hardy.

Water-plantain provides a place of rest and shelter for aquatic flies and other insects.