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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

Synonyms
Marsilea quadrifoliata
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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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