Callitriche palustris
water chickweed
An evergreen aquatic perennial plant with a mat-forming habit, reaching up to 10 cm in height and spreading extensively across water surfaces. It features bright green, linear submerged leaves and broader floating leaves, with inconspicuous greenish-white flowers appearing in summer
Synonyms
Callitriche vernalisCallitriche verna
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming, Submerged
- 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in shallow aquatic habitats like ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and marshes, preferring sheltered positions in full sun to partial shade in consistently moist or submerged conditions
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
Pruning
No pruning required, limit spread as required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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