This is a common plant found at the edges of ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers. The globular flowers give way to large round fruits (drupes) which have the look of a bur. There are four sub species of this plant identification of which depends on the shape of the individual seed. This fruiting plant is probably ssp neglectum but three sub species are known in Cheshire so more work is needed to be sure. Sparganium erectum is found throughout England, Wales and Ireland and is only scarce in northern Scotland.

LHS: Pond in Frodsham 14th June 2005 RHS: Pond near Rudheath 3rd September 2005

Added on 1st December 2005, updated 10th February 2012, updated 16th Nov 2014