Marsilea mutica (Four Leaf Water Clover)
Nardoo, Australian Water Clover, Water Clover, Four Leaf Clover, Four Leaf Water Clover
Marsilea mutica (Four Leaf Water Clover) is a charming aquatic plant forming a mat of floating four-leaf clovers, 1-3 in. (2-7 cm), adorned with reddish-brown arching stripes. Although it looks like a four-leaf clover, Marsilea mutica is actually an aquatic fern. Very cold hardy, Four Leaf Water Clover is a fast grower and a good plant to help cover the water surface. However, it spreads vigorously by rhizomes and can be highly aggressive. To manage its spread, plant in a 1-gallon container.
- Grows up to 3-4 in. tall (7-10 cm) and 2-10 ft. wide (60-300 cm). Monitor this plant closely to prevent it from choking out other plants.
- Performs best in full sun to part shade in moist soil or in shallow water up to 4-9 in. deep (10-22 cm).
- Good for water gardens, ponds or use it in a rain or cottage garden.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- Thinning may be required weekly.
- Propagate by separating plantlets from rhizomes or by cuttings.
- Native to Australia, New Caledonia.
- Find where this plant is invasive in the U.S.
Buy Marsilea mutica (Four Leaf Water Clover)
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Ferns |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm) |
Spread | 2' – 10' (60cm – 3m) |
Water Needs | High |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | Australia |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Hamiza Bakirci/Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Ferns |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm) |
Spread | 2' – 10' (60cm – 3m) |
Water Needs | High |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | Australia |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |