Mudwort is a small fibrous-rooted perennial of mudflats or shallow water edges to rivers and streams. The leaves arise from the base of the plant and are long petioled with narrow, elliptical blades. The petioles range from 1-8 cm in length while the blades are 5-18 mm long and 2-7 mm wide. The lax stems are up to 30 mm long with typically a single flower at its terminus. Occasionally a whorl of leaves may be found near the top of the stem with a cluster of small flowers there. The calyx is 2-3 mm long with the corolla tube about the same length. The 5 petals are white and spreading.
Mudwort is found in wet muddy areas in the valleys and plains, or in shallow water surrounding ponds, lakes, or rivers. It is often found between the low and high seasonal water levels.
Mudwort is found across much of North America. It is found along the shoreline throughout the Columbia River Gorge.
