About
Marsilea quadrifolia, the European water clover, is a spreading, herbaceous, aquatic fern producing dark-green, clover-like leaves 2�3 cm across, each formed of four triangular leaflets, on slender stalks from a creeping rhizome. A charming and ornamental aquatic for the margins of a pond or shallow water feature.
About the genus
Marsilea, the water clovers, are aquatic, marginal or terrestrial, rhizomatous ferns forming spreading mats of distinctive, four-parted, clover-like fronds. Grown at the margins of ponds and streams or in boggy conditions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeFerns, Aquatic
HabitMatforming, Floating
FoliageDeciduous
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesShaded borders, woodland gardens, underplanting.
Native toE Europe-China/Japan
Care notes
CultivationGrow in muddy pool margins or in lattice baskets filled with loamy soil at a depth of no more than 15cm in full sun. See pond plants for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of rhizomes in summer; peg down in shallow water
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free