Habitat: Prefers rich, moist to wet, woodland soils in shade to partial shade conditions. Can be found submerged along streams and lakes.
Wildlife Value: Along streams and lakes, the seeds are eaten by ducks, small birds, and small mammals. The submerged parts provide a habitat for micro and macro invertebrates.
Notes: The plant self-seeds and spreads by rhizome and can be propagated by root division and seed. The common name jumpseed refers to the dispersal of the seed. When the mature fruit seed is lightly touched, the tension of the downward bent stem holding the fruit is released and forcefully throws the seed several feet
Plants can be 2-3 feet tall with a clumping arching habit. The sparse tiny white to greenish-white flowers bloom on long, slender stems in mid to late summer. Even though the flowers are not showy, they attract butterflies and bees.