Marsilea quadrifolia
European water clover
A spreading, herbaceous perennial usually grown in shallow water, with dark green leaves 2-3cm across, formed of 4 triangular leaflets
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Marsileaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming, Floating
- Genus
Marsilea can be aquatic, marginal or terrestrial, rhizomatous ferns forming mats of clover-like leaves with 4 fan-shaped leaflets
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E Europe-China/Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in muddy pool margins or in lattice baskets filled with loamy soil at a depth of no more than 15cm in full sun. See pond plants for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division of rhizomes in summer; peg down in shallow water
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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