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Aponogeton distachyos

water hawthorn

A deciduous or partially evergreen aquatic perennial, with elliptic or lance-shaped floating leaves and forked racemes of small, fragrant white flowers with purple anthers, held just above the water surface

Other common names
Cape asparagus
Cape pondweed
see morehawthorn-scented pondweed
water hyacinth
winter hawthorn

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

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Aponogetonaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Floating
Genus

Aponogeton are submerged rhizomatous perennials with simple, floating leaves and small, white flowers in forked racemes or panicles held just above the surface

Name status

Correct

Plant range
S Africa (Cape)

How to grow

Cultivation

This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act as an invasive non-native species. Although not banned from sale, it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild in the REPUBLIC OF IRELAND. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information

Propagation

Please see cultivation notes

Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pests

May be susceptible to water snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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