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Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Next carnivorous plant dispatch date: 28th October
Callitriche stagnalis (Common Water Starwort)
Callitriche stagnalis (Common Water Starwort)

Callitriche stagnalis (Common Water Starwort)

Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
in stock, ready to be shipped
Availability:
Out of stock
£0.00 - £0.00
£0.00
£3.00
£0.99 - £125.00
£3.00
Number of Bunches: 1 Bunch
Size Information

You can choose plants in various pot sizes. Non-potted plants arrive bare root for you to pot in the specified pot size.

Seasonal Information

Depending on the time of year, pond plants may be supplied fully-leaved, with flowers, or with foliage trimmed back.

Delivery Information

This plant is grown in the UK and sent directly from our tried, tested and trusted plant partner. Delivery price calculated at checkout.

Description of Callitriche stagnalis (Common Water Starwort)

Callitriche stagnalis, commonly known as Common Water Starwort, is a reliable native aquatic plant that supports healthy pond ecosystems. You will often see it in natural ponds, slow streams, and wet ditches across the UK. It grows fully submerged or partly floating, which makes it useful in a wide range of water depths.

This plant produces bright green, spoon-shaped underwater leaves that grow up to 2 cm long. As it reaches the surface, it forms small rosettes of broader floating leaves. These mats create shelter for pond life and help keep your water clear.

Its flowers are small and easy to miss. The real value lies in its growth habit. Stems root easily into wet mud and spread to form dense cover. This gives your pond a natural look and supports biodiversity.

You may also see this species sold under other names such as:

  • Water Starwort
  • Starwort
  • Common Starwort
  • European Water Starwort

If you want to improve water quality, this plant is a practical choice. It releases oxygen into the water during daylight. This supports fish and beneficial microbes. It also competes with algae for nutrients.

Think about your pond. Do you have areas where fish need shelter from predators or strong sunlight? Dense growth of Callitriche stagnalis can provide that cover.

Why choose Callitriche stagnalis for your pond?

  • Native to the UK and well adapted to local conditions
  • Hardy and easy to grow in most ponds
  • Supports frogs, newts, and aquatic insects
  • Provides spawning sites for fish
  • Helps stabilise pond edges and shallow zones
  • Works well in wildlife ponds and naturalistic designs

Planting tips for strong growth

  • Plant in still or slow-moving water
  • Place in depths from 5 cm to 60 cm
  • Anchor stems in aquatic soil or wet mud
  • You can also allow it to float freely
  • Divide and replant if growth becomes dense
  • Best planted in spring or early summer

You do not need specialist care. This plant tolerates cold winters and regrows each year. In nutrient-rich ponds, it spreads quickly. You can thin it to control coverage and maintain open water.

Callitriche stagnalis suits both new and established ponds. It works well alongside other oxygenators such as Ceratophyllum and Myriophyllum. By mixing species, you create a stable environment that supports wildlife all year.

If your goal is a clear, balanced pond that attracts native species, this plant is a strong starting point. Many pond keepers choose it because it grows steadily without becoming invasive. You get natural cover, improved water clarity, and a healthier pond with minimal effort.

FAQs

What are the best oxygenating plants for a wildlife pond?

Good choices include submerged species such as hornwort, water starwort, water violet, water crowfoot and suitable pondweeds. The best choice depends on the pond's depth, size and conditions, so using more than one suitable species can provide useful underwater habitat as well as plant diversity.

How many oxygenating plants do I need in my pond?

As a general guide, the RHS suggests around four to five bunches of submerged oxygenators, each containing three to four stems, per square metre of water surface. Avoid excessive planting, as submerged plants also respire at night and overcrowding can cause problems.

Do oxygenating pond plants keep water clear?

Oxygenating plants can contribute to a balanced pond and compete for nutrients that might otherwise support excessive algae growth. However, they are not a guaranteed cure for green water, as water clarity is affected by factors including sunlight, nutrients, plant coverage and the overall balance of the pond.

Do oxygenating plants need to be planted in baskets?

It depends on the species. Some submerged oxygenators are rooted and can be planted or anchored in aquatic baskets, while others can grow freely in the water. Follow the planting instructions for the individual species rather than treating all oxygenators in the same way.

Do I need oxygenating plants if I have a pond pump?

A pump can circulate and aerate water, but oxygenating plants provide additional benefits such as underwater cover and habitat for pond life. For a wildlife pond, plants are therefore useful for more than simply adding oxygen to the water.

What are the best pond plants for a wildlife pond?

The best wildlife pond plants provide a mixture of underwater cover, surface shade, flowering habitat and places for aquatic insects to emerge. A balanced pond can include oxygenating plants, marginal plants and floating-leaved plants such as water lilies. Native species are particularly useful for supporting UK pond wildlife.

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