four leaf water clover
Marsilea mutica
USDA zones5 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds moist soil
Size3 to 4 inches tall2 to 10 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Horizontal
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Foliage color
- Brown/copper, gold/yellow, green
- Soil types
- Loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Notes
Four leaf water clover (Marsilea mutica) is a fern for containers, cottage gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and moist, loamy or clay soil. It grows fast and spreads wide, so give it room. The low leaves stay only 3 to 4 inches tall and can show green, gold, or copper tones.
Pairs well with Northwind switchgrass, Aureola Japanese forest grass, and False indigo.
Native range
North & Eastern Australia and New Caledonia.