Herb: Water Starwort


Latin name: Callitriche hermaphroditica


Synonyms: Callitriche autumnalis


Family: Callitrichaceae (Water-starwort Family)



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Flowering:
May to
September

Habitat of Water Starwort:

Ponds and lakes to 380 metres in Yorkshire.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - we have no details on this species but would suggest that the seed will be best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in about 5cm of water. It is quite likely that the seed has a short viability, especially if it is allowed to become dry. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in trays of water in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings can be taken at any time in the growing season. They root easily, even if just placed in a pot of water.

Cultivation of Water Starwort:

Ponds and lakes to 380 metres in Yorkshire.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Callitriche hermaphroditica:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.