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Callitriche 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

Other common names
brigwlydd y dŵr
Synonyms
Callitriche verna subsp. stagnalis
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
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
H4
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to the UK
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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