Callitriche verna subsp. stagnalis
common water starwort
An aquatic plant, often used as an oxygenator in ponds, with spoon-shaped, bright green submerged leaves to 2cm long, and rosettes of broader floating leaves. Stems often root into wet mud to form a close mat; flowers insignificant
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime 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 | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming, Floating
- Genus
Callitriche can be terrestrial or aquatic perennials with slender stems bearing linear or spoon-shaped leaves and minute flowers in summer, useful oxygenating plants for ponds
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe, N Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in ponds and streams at a depth of between 15cm-60cm (6in- 2ft). See pond plants for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division or stem cuttings made in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
Limit spread as required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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