Ottelia: An Aquatic Plant for Water Gardens
If you’re looking to add some underwater greenery to your pond or water feature, you might have come across ottelia. This aquatic perennial has found its way into water gardens across several U.S. states, though it’s not originally from North America.
What Is Ottelia?
Ottelia is a genus of aquatic forbs—basically herbaceous plants that lack woody stems and live their lives in or near water. As perennials, these plants come back year after year, making them a potentially long-term addition to aquatic landscapes. Unlike trees or shrubs, ottelias are soft-stemmed plants that die back to their roots during unfavorable seasons.
Where You’ll Find Ottelia
Currently, ottelia has established itself in California, Louisiana, Missouri, and Texas. As a non-native species that was introduced from other parts of the world, it has managed to naturalize and reproduce on its own in these areas.
The Non-Native Reality
Here’s something important to know: ottelia isn’t native to North America. It’s an introduced species that has made itself at home in our waterways. While it’s not currently flagged as invasive in most areas, this doesn’t mean it should be your first choice for a water garden.
Before planting any non-native aquatic plant, it’s worth considering native alternatives that can provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems. Native aquatic plants are better adapted to local conditions and provide food and habitat for native wildlife.
Growing Ottelia: The Basics
If you’re set on growing ottelia, here’s what you need to know:
- Water requirements: Needs to be grown in aquatic conditions—think ponds, water gardens, or containers with standing water
- Light needs: Prefers full to partial sun exposure
- Climate considerations: Being established in states from California to Texas suggests it can handle various climate zones, though specific hardiness information varies
- Maintenance: As an aquatic plant, it requires consistent water levels and may need periodic management to prevent overgrowth
Consider Native Alternatives
Before adding ottelia to your water garden, consider exploring native aquatic plants in your region. Native species like wild celery, pondweeds, or water lilies (depending on your location) can provide similar underwater greenery while supporting local wildlife and maintaining ecological balance.
Check with your local native plant society or extension office to discover which native aquatic plants thrive in your specific area. They’ll often provide better long-term success and contribute positively to your local ecosystem.
The Bottom Line
While ottelia can be grown successfully in aquatic gardens, its non-native status means it’s not the most environmentally responsible choice. If you do choose to grow it, be mindful of preventing its spread to natural waterways, and always dispose of aquatic plant trimmings responsibly—never in natural water bodies.
For the health of our native ecosystems, native aquatic plants remain the gold standard for sustainable water gardening.
