Texas Wild-rice

(Zizania texana)

Date of Listing: Endangered, 1982

Texas Wild-rice is an aquatic perennial grass found only in the upper two miles of the San Marcos River in central Texas. It is related to the wild-rice grown for human food. On a sunny day, this plant's bright green leaves can be seen waving in the current near the river bottom in areas where the water is clean and clear.

Note: Special thanks to the photographers for providing images of Texas endangered and threatened plants. All rights to these images are reserved. Educational use permitted.

Reason for Concern:

This plant is endangered because the river water is being impacted by the growth of the city of San Marcos and increasing numbers of people swimming, canoeing, and tubing the river. Because more people are using water, less underground water is flowing from the springs. Nutria, a non-native rodent that lives in wetland areas, is also a threat because it eats the wild-rice. You can help by not pulling up or disturbing this plant. Do your part to conserve water and keep the San Marcos River clean.

Size:

Long green leaves up to 45 inches in length and 1/4 to 1 inch wide.

Habitat (where it lives):

Clear flowing spring-fed waters.

Range (where found in Texas):

San Marcos River in Hays County, central Texas; Edwards Plateau region.

Reproduction:

Rice "seeds" are black or brown.

Population Status:

Only one population.