Feathered Mosquitofern: A Tiny Floating Fern for Water Gardens
Meet the feathered mosquitofern (Azolla pinnata asiatica), a diminutive floating fern that’s making waves in water gardens across Florida. This tiny aquatic plant might look like moss at first glance, but it’s actually a fascinating fern with some pretty neat tricks up its sleeve.
What Exactly Is Feathered Mosquitofern?
Don’t let the name fool you – this little guy has nothing to do with mosquitoes (though it might help control them!). Feathered mosquitofern is a small, free-floating aquatic fern that forms delicate mats on the water’s surface. Its tiny, overlapping leaves create an intricate, feathery pattern that can turn from green to reddish-bronze when exposed to bright sunlight.
As an annual plant, feathered mosquitofern completes its life cycle in one growing season, though it can reproduce quite readily under the right conditions.
Where Does It Come From and Where Is It Found?
This floating fern is native to Asia, as its scientific name suggests. However, it has established itself as a non-native species in Florida, where it reproduces on its own in the wild. Currently, Florida is the only state in the lower 48 where this species has been documented growing.
Why Might You Want (or Not Want) This Plant?
Before you decide whether feathered mosquitofern belongs in your water garden, let’s weigh the pros and cons:
The Good Stuff:
- Creates an interesting textural element on water surfaces
- Can help reduce algae by competing for nutrients
- May provide some mosquito control by covering water surface
- Fixes nitrogen, potentially benefiting other aquatic plants
- Low maintenance once established
Things to Consider:
- As a non-native species, it’s not part of our natural ecosystem
- Can spread rapidly under ideal conditions
- Offers minimal benefits to native wildlife and pollinators
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re looking to support local ecosystems, consider these native floating or aquatic plants instead:
- American lotus (Nelumbo lutea)
- Spatterdock (Nuphar advena)
- Water hyacinth alternatives like pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata)
- Native duckweeds (Lemna species)
Growing Feathered Mosquitofern Successfully
If you decide to give this floating fern a try, here’s what you need to know:
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Water: Still or very slow-moving freshwater
- Light: Full sun to partial shade
- Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions (USDA zones 8-11)
- Nutrients: Prefers nutrient-rich water
Planting and Care Tips:
- Simply place the plants on the water surface – no soil needed!
- Start with a small amount, as it can multiply quickly
- Monitor growth regularly to prevent it from completely covering your water feature
- Remove excess plants as needed to maintain balance
- In cooler zones, treat as an annual and expect it to die back in winter
The Bottom Line
Feathered mosquitofern is an intriguing little plant that can add unique texture to water gardens, but it’s worth remembering that native alternatives often provide better support for local wildlife. If you do choose to grow it, keep an eye on its growth and be prepared to manage it responsibly. Whether you’re team native-plants-only or open to experimenting with interesting non-natives, the choice is yours – just garden thoughtfully!
