Callitriche stagnalis

RHS Plant Profile
common water starwort

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common water starwort RHS 1999

Other common names

brigwlydd y dŵr

Synonyms

Callitriche verna subsp. stagnalis

Aquatic
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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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical 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