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Pacific waterclover
Scientific Name: Marsilea oligospora
Family: Marsileaceae
Category: Fern
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Marsilea: The Water Clover Ferns
Marsilea is a genus of approximately 65 species of aquatic ferns belonging to the family Marsileaceae. These plants often go by the common name "water clover" or "f-leaf clover" due to the appearance of their leaves.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Marsilea L.
- Family: Marsileaceae (Water Clover Family)
- Common Names: Water clover, f-leaf clover, pepperwort, cloven fern
The genus Marsilea is named in honor of Italian naturalist Luigi Ferdinando Marsigli (1656–1730).
Distribution and Habitat
Marsilea oligospora, also known as Pacific waterclover, can be found in vernal pools and wetlands, specifically in freshwater marsh and riparian forest habitats between 4,600 and 6,600 feet. Some species are also found in Australia and Mexico. Some species have spread into many of the major regions of the Pacific Northwest.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Marsilea species are small aquatic ferns that often don't resemble typical ferns.
- They are forbs/herbs, meaning they are non-woody plants that are not grasses.
- Some species, like Marsilea mutica, grow similarly to water lilies, with leaves floating on the surface and roots underwater.
- Duration: Perennial
Species within the Genus
- Marsilea ancylopoda (tropical waterclover)
- Marsilea minuta (small water-clover)
- Marsilea mutica (f-leafed water clover)
- Marsilea oligospora (Pacific waterclover)
- Marsilea oxaloides (Pacific waterclover - Australia)
- Marsilea polycarpa (Guayanan waterclover)
- Marsilea quadrifolia (European water-clover)
- Marsilea vestita (hairy waterclover)
- Marsilea vestita ssp. vestita (hairy waterclover)
- Marsilea vestita tenuifolia (hairy waterclover)