Lakeshore Garden Centres Plant Finder

Other Names:  Butterfly Fern, Aquarium Watermoss

Description:

An aquatic fern that does not require soil, and floats on the surface of ponds or water features; interesting glossy folded leaves with brownish edges, form thick mats; used largely in aquariums; considered invasive, and restricted in many areas

Ornamental Features

Eared Watermoss' attractive glossy round leaves emerge light green in spring, turning green in colour with distinctive brown edges throughout the season on a plant with a spreading habit of growth.

Landscape Attributes

Eared Watermoss is a dense herbaceous annual with a ground-hugging habit of growth. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This is a high maintenance plant that will require regular care and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Spreading
• Invasive

Eared Watermoss is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Water Gardens
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Eared Watermoss will grow to be about 12 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 3 feet apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It is an excellent choice for very wet locations or locations with some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

Eared Watermoss is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its spreading habit of growth, it is ideally suited for use as a 'spiller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the edges where it can spill gracefully over the pot. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.