Marsilea - Pepperwort, Water Clover

(Marsil'ea)

DESCRIPTION: These aquatic perennials are commonly known as Pepperwort or Water Clover. These plants resemble four-leaf clovers. M. mutica var. Variegata produces vigorous-growing rhizomes from which sprout stems topped with greenish-yellow to brown patterned leaves, which often float on the surface of the water. If Water Clovers are planted in several inches of water they may stand a few inches above the water. These plants are great for planting in moist soil or shallow water on the edges of your water garden. Great care must be taken, however, to control this plant. They may need to be thinned every week.

POTTING: These plants are hardy; however, in climates where temperatures may fall below 0º F, winter some plants indoors. They are planted in one-gallon containers and set in 1 to 12 inches of water, in sun or partial shade.

PROPAGATION: Cuttings may be rooted and planted or plantlets may be separated from the rhizome.

VARIETIES: M. mutica & var. Variegata; M. crenata; M. drumondii; M. schelpiana; M. quadrifolia.

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