Water Violet (Hottonia palustris) is an aquatic perennial plant native to Europe and parts of Asia, thriving in shallow, still or slow-moving waters such as ponds, ditches, and marshes. It features finely divided, feathery submerged leaves and erect flowering stems that rise above the water surface. During late spring to early summer, it produces delicate, pale lilac to white flowers arranged in whorls, adding visual appeal to aquatic environments. In agroecology and regenerative agriculture, Water Violet is valued for its role in constructed wetlands and natural water purification systems due to its ability to absorb excess nutrients and improve water quality. It serves as a habitat and food source for aquatic wildlife, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health. Historically, it has been used in traditional water gardens and is known for its ability to stabilize aquatic ecosystems. In a food forest, it functions as an aquatic layer, supporting water-based guilds with plants like watercress and duckweed.
Growing Details
Water Violet prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in shallow, nutrient-rich, still or slow-moving water bodies. For optimal growth, prepare the substrate with organic matter such as decomposed leaves or compost. Mulching with aquatic-safe materials can help retain moisture and suppress algae growth. Companion plants include watercress and duckweed, which can enhance nutrient uptake and provide additional habitat for aquatic life. Common mistakes include planting in water bodies with str
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Hottonia palustris</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 Asia
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of May for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of July for 30 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(0/5)
edible uses:
Medicinal Rating:
(0/5)
medicinal uses:
health concerns:
other uses: Water purification
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Hottonia palustris
common names: Water Violet; Featherfoil; Water Feather
family: Primulaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Hottonia
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.5 m
spacing: 0.3 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 20ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 15ยฐC / 5ยฐC / 25ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Shallow
frost tender: Medium
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(5/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 0.3 m
max width: 0.3 m
soil preference:
Heavy
pH preference:
Saline
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Water Violet prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in shallow, nutrient-rich, still or slow-moving water bodies. For optimal growth, prepare the substrate with organic matter such as decomposed leaves or compost. Mulching with aquatic-safe materials can help retain moisture and suppress algae growth. Companion plants include watercress and duckweed, which can enhance nutrient uptake and provide additional habitat for aquatic life. Common mistakes include planting in water bodies with str
Potential Disturbances: Water Violet is generally pest-free but can occasionally attract aphids. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to control aphid populations naturally. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel aphids. For aquatic pests, ensure a balanced ecosystem with natural predators such as fish or aquatic beetles. Organic neem oil sprays can be used sparingly if necessary.
Growth Timeline
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