SafePlants

Bigfoot Water Clover (Marsilea macropoda)

Bigfoot water clover, scientifically known as Marsilea macropoda, is an aquatic fern with unique, clover-like leaves. It is a robust perennial plant that thrives in wet environments.

Considerations for Pets

• The leaves resemble clover, which might be attractive to grazing animals.
• It grows in wet areas, potentially posing a water safety concern for small or unsupervised pets.

Considerations for Children

• The plant grows in wet environments, potentially posing a water safety concern for small or unsupervised children.
• The leaves resemble clover, which might be attractive, but children should be cautioned against ingesting wild plants.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A.Braun
• Common Names: Bigfoot Water Clover, Clover Fern, Water Clover, F-leaf Clover
• Family: Marsileaceae
• Genus: Marsilea (approximately 65 species of aquatic ferns)
• Synonyms: Marsilea macropus A. Br., Zalusianskya macropus
• The genus Marsilea is named after Italian naturalist Luigi Ferdinando Marsigli (1656–1730).

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to southern regions, including wetland areas and Texas.
• It is found in wet sands and mud, often forming large mats.
• Prefers wet soils of creek bottoms and riverbanks.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial plant forming large mats.
• Leaves are clover-like with four leaflets. Each leaflet measures 5-15 mm wide and 3-17 mm long.
• Leaves stand erect to a height of 10 [units not specified in the provided text].
• Leaf surface can be either densely hairy or smooth.

Cultivation

• Can be maintained in containers and on the upper shelves of water gardens.
• Drought-tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping.
• Requires regular watering but should not be overwatered.

Quirky Facts

• Despite its appearance, Bigfoot Water Clover is a fern, not a clover.
• There's a mention of "Marsilea megalomanica" as a trivial name, which is an amusing association with the "Bigfoot" common name.

Related Species

• Hairy Water Clover (Marsilea vestita) is another species likely to be found.
• Other Marsilea species include Marsilea mexicana (Mexican Water-clover), Marsilea quadrifolia (European Water-clover), and Marsilea tenufolia (Narrow-leaved Water-clover).

Further Information

• Bigfoot Water Clover can be found at the Wildflower Center.
• NatureWatch provides classification information.