Northern water plantain is a herbaceous perennial that grows 1-3 feet tall and spreads via rhizomes, forming dense colonies. It has large, fleshy green leaves and produces small white flowers in dense clusters above the foliage from June to July. Northern water plantain grows in wetlands, along pond and river edges, and prefers full sun to part shade with standing water or moist soil. It provides habitat and food for birds and insects. While it can spread aggressively in moist areas, northern water plantain is useful in gardens as a pond plant, for rain gardens or container "mini-wetlands".