Twoheaded Water-Starwort: A Native Aquatic Gem for Your Water Garden
If you’re looking to add a touch of native charm to your pond, bog garden, or water feature, let me introduce you to one of North America’s most widespread yet underappreciated aquatic plants: twoheaded water-starwort (Callitriche heterophylla heterophylla). This little green gem might not win any beauty contests, but it’s a hardworking native that deserves a spot in every water gardener’s toolkit.
What Exactly Is Twoheaded Water-Starwort?
Twoheaded water-starwort is a small aquatic forb – essentially a non-woody plant that loves getting its feet wet. You might also see it listed under its scientific synonyms Callitriche anceps or simply as a variety of Callitriche heterophylla, but don’t let the fancy names intimidate you. This is a humble little plant that forms either floating mats on the water’s surface or submerged rosettes beneath it, depending on water levels.
As both an annual and perennial (yes, it can be either!), this adaptable plant knows how to roll with the punches of changing seasons and water conditions.
Where Does It Call Home?
Here’s where twoheaded water-starwort really shines – it’s a true North American native with an impressively broad range. This plant is indigenous to Alaska, Canada (including Greenland), and the lower 48 states. In fact, you can find it growing naturally in almost every U.S. state from Alabama to Wyoming, plus throughout most Canadian provinces from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador.
This extensive native range tells us something important: this plant is incredibly adaptable and well-suited to diverse North American climates and conditions.
Why Consider Growing Twoheaded Water-Starwort?
While twoheaded water-starwort might not be the showiest plant in your water garden, it brings several compelling benefits:
- Native habitat support: As a widespread native species, it provides authentic habitat for local wildlife
- Low maintenance: Once established, it pretty much takes care of itself
- Adaptable nature: Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3-10, making it suitable for most North American gardens
- Natural water filtration: Like many aquatic plants, it helps keep pond water clean and oxygenated
- Seasonal interest: Provides subtle texture and natural movement in water features
Perfect Spots for Planting
Twoheaded water-starwort is tailor-made for:
- Pond margins and shallow water areas
- Bog gardens and rain gardens
- Seasonal pools and water features
- Natural swimming pools and wildlife ponds
- Native plant gardens with water elements
Growing Conditions and Care
The beauty of this native aquatic is its easygoing nature. Here’s what twoheaded water-starwort prefers:
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Water depth: Shallow water or muddy, consistently moist soil
- Soil: Adaptable to various soil types as long as they stay wet
- pH: Generally tolerant of a wide pH range
Planting and Care Tips
Growing twoheaded water-starwort is refreshingly straightforward:
- Establishment: Plant in spring in shallow water or saturated soil
- Spacing: Allow room for natural spreading – this plant likes to form colonies
- Maintenance: Minimal care required once established
- Propagation: Can spread naturally through self-seeding and plant fragments
- Winter care: Hardy plant that overwinters well in most climates
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While twoheaded water-starwort is generally well-behaved, it can spread readily in ideal conditions. This isn’t necessarily a problem in naturalized settings, but you might want to monitor its growth in smaller, formal water features. Its flowers are quite small and primarily wind-pollinated, so don’t expect it to attract butterflies or bees like other water garden plants might.
The Bottom Line
Twoheaded water-starwort may not be the flashiest addition to your water garden, but it’s a solid choice for gardeners who value native plants, low-maintenance gardening, and supporting local ecosystems. Its widespread adaptability and hardy nature make it particularly appealing for beginners or anyone looking to establish natural-looking aquatic habitats.
If you’re creating a native water garden or simply want to add some authentic North American character to your pond, give twoheaded water-starwort a try. Sometimes the most unassuming plants turn out to be the most valuable additions to our gardens.
