This plant is an excellent water plant for stream beds, bogs or edges of your pond.  It grows to about 6"-12" high out of the water and is a fast grower.  It leaves are usually shiny and can be anywheres from 3 inches to only 1/2 inch in diameter.  This plant is useful in the water garden because of its quick ability to create shade over the pond and grows running stems that will float out over the water surface.  It creates a soft edge between water and taller plants such as the cattails, iris or sweet flags. 

It will grow well in sun to part shade and is hardy in Zones 5-11.  It grows best in moist soil to water no more than 4 inches deep.