European waterclover - Marsilea quadrifolia (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

European waterclover

Also known as: Clover fern, Water shamrock, Pepperwort

European waterclover is an aquatic fern that is often considered an invasive weed in the United States. It gets its common name from the shape of its leaves, which resemble four-leaf clovers.

Scientific classification

Species

European waterclover (Marsilea quadrifolia)

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8 cm to 15 cm

Plant Height

8 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

Green

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of European waterclover

Distribution of European waterclover

Distribution Map

European waterclover is native to a range of regions spanning Eastern Europe, parts of Western Europe, Central and East Asia. It has also been introduced and is cultivated in some Caribbean areas. The plant's distribution reflects its adaptability to different climates, comfortably spanning temperate and tropical zones. European waterclover has been successful in both its native habitats and in regions where it has been introduced.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Ponds and paddy fields

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Weed Control

European waterclover is a fast-growing aquatic weed which is common in Europe and North America. It's known to take over shorelines and affect other species so it needs to be restricted to allow other plants to grow. European waterclover is not known to be toxic and is sometimes used for medicinal purposes

How to Control It

The most successful way to control european waterclover is to stop it from spreading too far and dominating an area. To do this, some of the plants need to be removed to allow space for other species to grow. This should be monitored and european waterclover should be 'cut back' regularly to stop it spreading too fast and damaging the surrounding area or other plants.

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Care Guide for European waterclover

Once per day

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

10 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Potting Mix, Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: European waterclover thrives in moist conditions, reflecting its aquatic origins. It tolerates wet soil and prefers watering every two days. Grown outdoors, it flourishes in environments mimicking wetland conditions, like pond margins or bog gardens, especially during its active growth cycles.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, european waterclover requires balanced NPK fertilizers, applied monthly during the growing season and reduced in winter. Use a dilute formula, avoiding direct contact with fronds. Monitor and adjust based on plant response, as over-fertilization can lead to harmful algae growth.

Pruning: European waterclover features four-lobed leaves similar to clover and thrives with regular pruning. Effective techniques include trimming damaged growth and thinning stems, ideally performed in early to late spring. This encourages healthy shoots, improves water circulation, and light access, using sharp tools for optimal results.

Propagation: European waterclover, a water fern, thrives in aquatic habitats and propagates through division. Gardeners should ensure each rhizome segment has roots and a frond before replanting in moist, fertile substrate, either submerged or partially in water, reflecting its natural conditions for optimal establishment.

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