Common name from its preference for a wetland habitat. Strickly speaking, a misnomer, as swamps are by definition wooded wetlands and this plant thrives in the sun. A tall, moisture loving, herbaceous perennial of wet places.
Leaves bend upward on either side of the prominent midvein, like a boat keel.
A velvety band of hairs extends downward from the junction of leaves on each side of stem. Edges of ponds and moist soils, wet meadows, shallow waters. Banks and flood plains of lakes, ponds, and marshes. Ditch edges, dikes, swamps, wet prairies, and poorly drained spots. Pods dry beautifully and are often used in arrangements.