Hippuris vulgaris (Mare’s Tail)

Hippuris vulgaris (Mare’s Tail) is an evergreen, emergent or submersed, aquatic perennial bearing stout, hollow, unbranched stems, erect and stiff when emersed, limp while submersed. They are densely clothed with stalkless, lance-linear leaves, 1 in. long (2.5 cm), borne in whorls of 8-16. They resemble a pleasant green bottlebrush. In spring, small white flowers appear in the leaves and are barely visible to the naked eye. Native to North America, Northern Europe and Asia, Mare’s Tail occurs naturally in the slow moving or stagnant waters of rivers, lakes, ditches and marshes, and on receding shores in sandy, gravelly or mucky soil. Submersed plants spread by creeping rhizomes, while emersed plants also reproduce by seed. Very cold-hardy, it is a good choice for a marginal or can be submerged in an aquarium.

• Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or part shade. Can grow in non-acid water up to 10 ft. deep (3 m), and form large colonies from creeping rhizomes.
• A fine choice for bog gardens, water gardens, aquariums.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagated by divisions or stem cuttings.
• Native to North America, Northern Europe and Asia.