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Hippuris vulgaris

common mare's tail

A deciduous hardy perennial for pond edges and bog gardens. Soft upright green, narrow-leaved foliage arranged in whorls around stems reaching up to 30cm. In summer sometimes produces green-yellow flowers

Other common names
cat tail
common mare's tail
see morejoint weed
paddock pipes
witch's milk
Synonyms
Hippuris maritima
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, Bushy, Submerged
Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant directly into pond edges, or into baskets of aquatic compost topped with aquatic gravel, with the crown up to 15cm below the water's surface. Thrives in sun or partial shade. See pond plants and bog gardens for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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