Marsilea mutica (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.