Pacific Mosquito Fern, American Water Fern, Mosquito Fern, Fairy Moss, Mosquito Fern, Pacific Azolla, Red Water Fern, Water Fern, Water Velvet
Azolla filiculoides (Mosquito Fern) is a tiny free-floating fern forming a mat of pinnately branched stems covered with minute, two-lobed leaves arranged in two rows. The upper leaf floats on the surface and the lower leaf is submerged. The bright green foliage turns purplish-rose in response to stress such as very bright light or very high or low temperatures. Small feather-like roots are produced along the lower surface of the stem and hang freely in the water. Nutrients are absorbed directly from the water by the roots. Native to both North and South America, Mosquito Fern occurs naturally in ponds and lakes, in slow-moving streams and rivers. It grows extremely quickly under optimum conditions and can sometimes become a nuisance. It can form thick mats that completely cover the surface of the water, preventing mosquitoes from depositing their eggs. It also discourages algae growth and helps keep waters clear. Mosquito Fern is cultivated as an ornamental plant for use in water gardens, aquaria, and ponds.
Hardiness |
7 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 11 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Ferns |
Plant Family | Salviniaceae |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2" - 3" (5cm - 8cm) |
Maintenance | High |
Water Needs | High |
Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, New York, Pacific Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, Alaska, California, Northeast, Washington, Oregon, Florida, Texas, Arizona |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Ponds And Streams, Water Gardens |
Hardiness |
7 - 11 |
---|---|
Heat Zones |
1 - 11 |
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Ferns |
Plant Family | Salviniaceae |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall |
Height | 2" - 3" (5cm - 8cm) |
Maintenance | High |
Water Needs | High |
Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, New York, Pacific Northwest, Southeast, Southwest, Alaska, California, Northeast, Washington, Oregon, Florida, Texas, Arizona |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Ponds And Streams, Water Gardens |
How many Azolla filiculoides (Mosquito Fern) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Azolla filiculoides (Mosquito Fern) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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