Hippuris vulgaris
common mare's tail
A deciduous hardy perennial for pond edges and bog gardens. Soft upright green, narrow-leaved foliage arranged in whorls around stems reaching up to 30cm. In summer sometimes produces green-yellow flowers
Synonyms
Hippuris maritima
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright, Bushy, Submerged
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant directly into pond edges, or into baskets of aquatic compost topped with aquatic gravel, with the crown up to 15cm below the water's surface. Thrives in sun or partial shade. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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