In Britain it was once common in East Anglia and still is in many places, particularly wet ditches and healthy ponds.

Stratiotes aloides has been found in the Trent River in eastern Ontario, Canada.

[3] Stratiotes aloides has a rosette of serrated leaves, lanceolate, up to 30 cm long in tufts.

In the autumn they become covered with a slimy secretion (calcium carbonate) and the whole plant sinks to the bottom to rise again in the spring.

[citation needed] The herb has had a high reputation for treating wounds, especially when these are made by an iron implement.