Stratiotes aloides
water soldier
An aquatic perennial, forming rosettes of narrow, sharp-pointed leaves to 45cm in length, with white flowers, 3cm across, in summer
Other common names
crab's clawfreshwater soldier
see moreknight's pondwort
knight's wort
knight's woundwort
soldier's yarrow
wading pondweed
water aloe
water houseleek
water sengreen
water soldiers
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Hydrocharitaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Floating, Tufted
- Genus
Stratiotes are vigorous, dioecious, submerged aquatic perennials forming stalkless rosettes of toothed, sword-shaped leaves, with white or pinkish 3-petalled flowers, the females solitary, the males in small clusters
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, N Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act (Northern Ireland) 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 NORTHERN IRELAND. Gardeners possessing them should undertake measures to control them. See RHS advice on invasive non-native species for further information
Propagation
See cultivation notes
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Remove runners to restrict spread
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease- free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.