zizania

Zizania is a small genus of perennial, annual and short‑blooming grasses in the family Zizaniaceae. The genus contains seven recognized species, including the well‑known water chestnut (Zizania aquatica) and the Ohio goosegrass (Zizania arundinacea). Members of the genus are commonly referred to as wild rice or water chestnut, although they are not true cereals. They are typically found in wetland habitats such as shallow marshes, streams, and ponds across North America, with some species native to Asia and Australasia.

Zizania species produce rhizomatous stems that form dense stands, and they bear spikelets arranged in open, paniculate inflorescences. The plants have elongated leaves with sheaths that turn reddish when dry. Flowering occurs from late spring through early summer, producing both male (staminate) and female (pistillate) florets. Some species, especially Zizania palustris, have a high value as food for wildlife due to their edible seeds, while other species are ornamental or used in erosion control and wetland restoration projects.

The taxonomy of Zizania has been refined over time using morphological and molecular data, resulting in the current recognition of the seven species. Conservation status varies; for instance, Zizania cernídyba is listed as endangered in some regions due to habitat loss. The genus continues to be of ecological and economic interest for its role in wetland ecosystems and its potential use in sustainable agriculture.