Floating Watermoss: The Delicate Aquatic Fern That’s Both Beautiful and Concerning
If you’ve ever peered into a pond and noticed tiny, perfectly symmetrical leaves floating like nature’s own lily pads in miniature, you might have encountered floating watermoss. This delicate aquatic fern has a way of catching the eye with its neat, orderly appearance, but there’s more to this plant than meets the eye.
What Exactly Is Floating Watermoss?
Floating watermoss (Salvinia natans) isn’t actually a moss at all – it’s a small aquatic fern that spends its entire life floating on the water’s surface. Unlike the towering ferns you might find in your woodland garden, this little guy has adapted to life on the water, developing specialized leaves that help it stay afloat and thrive in aquatic environments.
The plant creates an almost geometric pattern on the water with its oval-shaped leaves arranged in pairs. Each leaf is about the size of a thumbnail and covered in tiny water-repelling hairs that give it a velvety appearance and help keep it buoyant.
Where Does It Come From?
Here’s where things get a bit complicated for native plant enthusiasts. Floating watermoss isn’t native to North America – it originally hails from Europe and Asia. However, it has established itself in parts of the United States, particularly in Massachusetts and New York, where it now reproduces on its own in the wild.
The Water Garden Appeal
It’s easy to see why some water gardeners are drawn to floating watermoss. The plant creates an attractive green carpet on pond surfaces, and its neat, orderly growth pattern can add a touch of elegance to water features. In aquarium settings, it’s often appreciated for its ability to provide surface cover and help maintain water quality.
Growing Conditions and Care
If you’re considering this plant despite its non-native status, here’s what you need to know:
- Thrives in still or slow-moving freshwater
- Prefers full sun to partial shade
- Requires no soil – simply floats freely on the surface
- Acts as an annual in most climates but may persist in warmer regions
- Needs obligate wetland conditions (almost always in water)
A Word of Caution
While floating watermoss might look harmless, its non-native status means it could potentially disrupt local aquatic ecosystems. The plant can spread rapidly under the right conditions, and once established in natural water bodies, it can be difficult to control.
As responsible gardeners, it’s worth considering native alternatives that can provide similar aesthetic benefits without the ecological concerns. Native aquatic plants like American lotus, spatterdock, or various native pondweeds can offer beautiful water garden options while supporting local wildlife.
Wildlife and Pollinator Considerations
Since floating watermoss is a fern, it doesn’t produce flowers and therefore offers no nectar or pollen for pollinators. Its value to wildlife is limited compared to native aquatic plants that have evolved alongside local fauna over thousands of years.
The Bottom Line
Floating watermoss presents a classic gardening dilemma: it’s undeniably attractive and easy to grow, but its non-native status raises important ecological questions. If you already have it in a contained water feature, enjoy its unique beauty while being mindful not to let it escape into natural waterways. For new water garden projects, consider exploring the wonderful world of native aquatic plants that can provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting your local ecosystem.
Remember, the most sustainable gardens are those that work in harmony with nature rather than against it – and sometimes that means admiring a plant’s beauty while choosing something else for our gardens.
