Water-soldier - Scientific name: Stratiotes aloides

Please select the amount from the drop-down menu. Approx. size sent 5-6 Inches

Water-soldier grows submerged in ponds and open water, and pops up over summer, looking like the top of a pineapple! This rare plant displays white flowers and shelters many aquatic insects.

About

The free-floating water-soldier is a rare aquatic plant that can be found in ponds and still, open water, mostly in Central and Eastern England. It is also grown in garden ponds and often escapes. It grows beneath the water, staying submerged for most of the year. From June to August, it surfaces and flowers, displaying white blooms. Like other aquatic plants, it offers resting and sheltering places for aquatic insects like dragonfly and damselfly larvae.

How to identify

The stiff leaves of water-soldier are spear-shaped and saw-edged, and form a rosette, looking a little bit like the top of a pineapple. A solitary, white, three-petalled flower arises from this rosette.

Distribution

Native plants confined to Eastern England; garden escapees more widespread.

Habitats

• Freshwater
• Wetlands

Did you know?

Water-soldier mainly reproduces asexually in the UK, budding to produce three or four new plants each year. It can reproduce sexually, but almost all of our plants are female.

Once placed in your pond let them settle for a few days, they will initially lie sideways until fully settles in.

Picture is of established fully grow plants, you will receive small juvenile plants, giving you the opportunity to watch grow and flourish around summer.

All plants are required to be sent as small parcel, hence the extra cost involved.

Please be aware that the image is for illustration purposes only. We are unable to guarantee the exact size, colour, or age of the plants you are purchasing. If you have any questions regarding live plants, please contact us. We do not copper-treat treat this product for snails or pests, use a dip bath prior to introducing if desired.