Water Clover
Marsilea vestita
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
4 inches
Width
8 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Requires consistently wet soil
Humidity
High humidity preferred
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Marsilea vestita is a small, aquatic fern-like perennial with clover-like, bright green foliage that spreads across water surfaces or moist soil, producing distinctive four-leaf clover-shaped leaflets. This species is notable for its ability to form dense mats in aquatic environments and its adaptability to both freshwater ponds and garden water features.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck spores into moist soil in early spring
- Maintain consistent moisture for best growth
- Provide partial shade for optimal foliage health
- Keep soil consistently wet, especially during dry spells
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years to prevent overcrowding
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains consistently moist for lush growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide in spring to promote vigorous growth
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
- Refrain from over-fertilizing, which can harm roots
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Water Clover questions
What zones can Water Clover grow in?
Water Clover is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Water Clover deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Water Clover, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Water Clover bloom?
Water Clover typically blooms in late summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Water Clover need full sun?
Water Clover does best in part shade.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Water Clover with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
