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Fontinalis antipyretica (Willow Moss)
Fontinalis antipyretica (Willow Moss)
Fontinalis antipyretica (Willow Moss)

Fontinalis antipyretica (Willow Moss)

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:
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 Fontinalis antipyretica (Willow Moss)

Fontinalis antipyretica, commonly known as Willow Moss or Water Moss, is a native aquatic moss found in clean streams, lakes, and ponds across the British Isles. It is a fully submerged, evergreen species that grows steadily and supports healthy aquatic environments.

This plant forms slender, branching stems covered in narrow, dark green leaves. The soft, flowing growth creates a natural look in ponds and aquaria. It attaches to stones, wood, and other surfaces, which makes it useful in wildlife and ornamental settings.

Unlike many fast-growing oxygenators, Fontinalis antipyretica grows at a slower pace. This helps you maintain balance without frequent thinning. It remains active through the year and provides steady oxygen release during daylight.

You may also see this species listed under the name:

  • Water Moss

If you want a pond that looks natural and supports wildlife, this moss is a strong addition. It creates shelter for small aquatic animals, insect larvae, and fry. Frogs and newts often use dense growth as cover.

Ask yourself how much structure your pond has below the surface. Smooth ponds can lack hiding spaces. Willow Moss adds texture and improves habitat without taking over.

Why grow Fontinalis antipyretica in your pond?

  • Native and well suited to UK climates
  • Evergreen and active through the year
  • Supports fish, amphibians, and invertebrates
  • Improves water balance and clarity
  • Creates natural cover and spawning sites
  • Suitable for ponds and cold-water aquaria

This species works well in shaded or partially shaded ponds. It tolerates cool water and continues growing during colder months. Many pond keepers use it in wildlife ponds where stability and biodiversity are key goals.

Planting and care tips

  • Attach to stones, gravel, or wood using thread or mesh
  • Place in still or slow-moving water
  • Grow in depths from 10 cm to 1 m
  • Prefers clean, low-nutrient water
  • Avoid strong currents and heavy algae growth
  • Trim gently if needed to shape growth

You can combine Willow Moss with submerged plants such as Ceratophyllum and Callitriche to create a layered habitat. This mix supports more species and improves resilience in changing conditions.

If you want a low-maintenance, native oxygenator that adds structure and long-term stability, Fontinalis antipyretica is a reliable choice. It supports wildlife, improves water quality, and brings a natural feel to ponds and aquaria.

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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