Marsilea quadrifolia
European water clover
M. quadrifolia is a spreading herbaceous perennial usually grown in shallow water, with dark green leaves 2-3cm across, formed of 4 triangular leaflets
Synonyms
Marsilea quadrifoliataBuy this plant
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 the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- 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
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
Get involved
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