Callitriche stagnalis, or Water Starwort, is a versatile aquatic plant thriving in still or slow-moving freshwater environments. It forms dense mats with its small, star-shaped leaves floating on the water's surface, providing critical habitat and food for aquatic organisms. In agroecology, Water Starwort is valuable for its role in constructed wetlands and water purification systems, enhancing biodiversity and improving water quality. It stabilizes soil in wetland areas, preventing erosion and promoting soil health. This plant supports a diverse range of aquatic life, including beneficial insects and microorganisms, making it an excellent choice for integration into water management strategies. Historically, it has been used in traditional water gardens and natural filtration systems. In a food forest, it serves as a ground cover layer in aquatic zones, supporting guilds with plants like cattails and watercress.
Growing Details
Water Starwort thrives in shallow water or very wet soil. It can be propagated through division or from seed, and it spreads readily through vegetative parts. For optimal growth, ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and maintain a layer of mulch to retain moisture. Companion plants include watercress and cattails, which can enhance biodiversity. Avoid planting in nutrient-rich waters to prevent excessive algae growth. Regular monitoring is essential to prevent waterway obstruction. Harvesti
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Callitriche stagnalis</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe and parts of North Africa
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 90 days
Harvest:
beginning
of August for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(0/5)
edible uses:
Medicinal Rating:
(0/5)
medicinal uses:
health concerns:
other uses: Used in constructed wetlands for water purification
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Callitriche stagnalis
common names: Water Starwort; Common Starwort; Pond Water
family: Plantaginaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Callitriche
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.5 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen:
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 20ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity:
light demands: Medium
root type: Shallow
frost tender: Medium
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(6/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 0.3 m
max width: 0.5 m
soil preference:
Heavy
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Water Starwort thrives in shallow water or very wet soil. It can be propagated through division or from seed, and it spreads readily through vegetative parts. For optimal growth, ensure the soil is rich in organic matter and maintain a layer of mulch to retain moisture. Companion plants include watercress and cattails, which can enhance biodiversity. Avoid planting in nutrient-rich waters to prevent excessive algae growth. Regular monitoring is essential to prevent waterway obstruction. Harvesti
Potential Disturbances: Water Starwort is generally pest-free but can be affected by algae in nutrient-rich waters. To manage algae, introduce aquatic snails or fish that feed on algae. Ensure balanced nutrient levels to prevent algae blooms.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
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