SafePlants

Callitriche: The Water-Starworts

Callitriche is a genus encompassing a variety of largely aquatic plants, commonly known as water-starworts. These plants thrive in aquatic environments, from ponds to effluent streams.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Callitriche species can grow stems up to 60 cm long, which, when found in tanks or ponds, may present entanglement or ingestion hazards for small aquatic pets or animals that drink from these water sources.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Callitriche
• Common Name: Water-starwort
• Family: Callitrichaceae (formerly, the genus was the only member of this family)
• Rank: Genus

Species Examples

• Callitriche antarctica: Antarctic water-starwort
• Callitriche brutia: Pedunculate Water-starwort
• Callitriche heterophylla: Differentleaf water starwort
• Callitriche hermaphroditica: Northern water-starwort, Autumn waterstarwort
• Callitriche intermedia: Narrowleaf waterstarwort
• Callitriche palustris: Spiny waterstarwort (Note: this is listed as a synonym)
• Callitriche platycarpa: Various leaved water starwort
• Callitriche stagnalis: Pond Water-starwort
• Callitriche terrestris: Terrestrial water starwort
• Callitriche trochlearis: Effluent water-starwort, Waste-water Winged Starwort
• Callitriche truncata: Short-leaved water starwort

Synonyms

• Callitriche austinii
• Callitriche deflexa
• Callitriche palustris (as a synonym for Water-starwort)

Distribution and Habitat

• Water-starworts are found in quiet, fresh waters.
• They can be native or non-native to a specific region.
• They often colonize inflow areas in sewage works.
• Some species, like Callitriche antarctica, are found in specific regions such as Antarctica.
• Species are observed in various locations including the United States, Mexico, and Tonga.

Morphological Characteristics

• Water-starworts can be submerged or terrestrial plants.
• Stems can grow up to 60 cm long.
• Submerged leaves are typically narrowly elliptical.
• Floating leaves often form a rosette with approximately 6 leaves, broadly elliptical in shape.
• Callitriche heterophylla exhibits two distinct types of leaves.

Ecological Role

• Water-starworts can be found in various aquatic environments, including sewage treatment lagoons and floodplain wetlands.
• They can play a role in wastewater treatment systems.
• Some species, like *Callitriche hermaphroditica*, are affected by the quality of discharges and are noted to be found in autumnal waters.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Water-starworts are often found alongside other aquatic plants, such as water crowfoot.
• They may be part of a vegetation community that supports aquatic invertebrates.

Additional Resources

• Discover Life: Offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Callitriche trochlearis.
• BioLib.cz: Provides information on Callitriche hermaphroditica.