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Native Plant Database

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Marsilea macropoda (Bigfoot water clover)
Marcus, Joseph A.

Marsilea macropoda Engelm. ex A. Braun

Bigfoot water clover, Water clover, Clover-fern

Marsileaceae (Water-Clover Family)

USDA Symbol: MAMA9

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Bigfoot water clover is a robust perennial which forms large mats in wet sands and mud. Attractive, four-leaf clover-like leaves stand erect to 10 in. in height. These leaves are downy textured when young, and stay green except for a short time in winter. This is a spore-producing plant and is thus more closely allied with the ferns than with perennial forbs.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb , Fern
Size Notes: 6-10 inches tall.
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Not Applicable
Bloom Notes: Not a flowering plant. Reproduces by spores.

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , LA , TX
Native Distribution: Rio Grande Plains to Victoria, Austin, and edge of Edwards Plateau. Apparently endemic to Texas.
Native Habitat: In mud or sandy soil and water of swamps, marshes, woodland bogs, ditches, streams, and on the edge of ponds and lakes.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Medium , High
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
Aquatic: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Wet or poorly drained sand or loam (mud). Sand, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam.
Conditions Comments: The more shade its in, the less water it requires.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Water clover can be used as a groundcover. Good for wetland gardens and habitats.
Interesting Foliage: yes
Deer Resistant: Moderate

Propagation

Propagation Material: Root Division
Maintenance: Very aggressive, so thin it out when desired. Cut it back whenever it looks untidy; the lush growth will quickly return.

Mr. Smarty Plants says

Ground cover for partly sunny, wet area in Cypress, TX
March 19, 2007
I am in need of a ground cover to plant in an area close to our entryway. The area is shady to partly sunny, holds water in rainy weather, and has a shrub border. We are in Texas. Any ideas? Thank...
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From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Texas Discovery Gardens - Dallas, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX

Bibliography

Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Marsilea macropoda in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Marsilea macropoda in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Marsilea macropoda

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-03-08
Research By: TWC Staff

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