Water trefoil
Water thistle. Beautiful flowering marsh plant
This marsh plant occurs in the wild in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, it is a red list species, meaning that it is becoming increasingly rare in the wild. The Latin name of this beautiful marsh plant is Menyanthes Trifoliata. This particular plant is monotypic, meaning it is the only species in this genus. Water trefoil has winter buds underwater and flowers above water. It can be recognised by its long string-shaped roots. Attached to these roots are the stems with the three round leaves from which this plant gets its name. This marsh plant has pretty pink buds from which white flowers emerge, resembling stars. Each flower has five stamens and there may be 10 to 30 flowers on a stem.
Water trefoil in a row
- Latin name Menyanthes Trifoliata.
- Grows between 15 and 30 cm tall.
- Placement: sun or semi-shade.
- Shallow nutrient-rich water but also in ponds.
- Survives winter due to submerged buds.
- Red pink buds with white flowers.
Frequently asked questions
How should I prune waterthistle?
Water thistle (Menyanthes trifoliata) is an aquatic plant that grows mainly in ponds and marshy areas. Prune the plant in spring or autumn to control excessive growth. Remove old and weakened stems by cutting them off just above the base with sharp pruning shears. Make sure not to remove too much at once so that the plant retains enough vigour. Also remove dead leaves regularly to prevent rotting. If the plant gets too big, you can carefully divide it and replant it.
What is the planting depth of water trefoil?
Water thistle grows best in shallow water or moist soil, so plant it at a depth of about 5 to 20 cm under water. Make sure its roots are firmly planted in the mud or pond bottom. If you plant it in a pond, place it in the shallow edges or in a special marsh zone. Make sure the plant is not too deep, as this can slow its growth or cause the roots to rot. Regularly checking that the plant is not drowning when the water level fluctuates is also important for healthy growth.
Buy Water Thistle Leaf?
Waterdrie leaf is for sale via De Vijvermeester's webshop. Here you can find beautiful bunches of high quality.
English (UK) 
Nederlands 
Deutsch 
Français