Hottonia palustris
water violet
Overview
Hottonia palustris is an aquatic perennial of still and slow-moving fresh water, rooting in mud with most of its growth submerged. The underwater stems carry whorls of feathery, deeply pinnate leaves 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long that form pale green underwater rosettes. In late spring the plant sends up emergent flower stalks rising 4-12 inches (10-30 cm) above the surface, bearing tiered whorls of flowers. Each flower is about 0.8-1 inch (20-25 mm) across with five pale lilac to white lobes and a yellow eye, held on a slender stalk. Despite the common name it belongs to the primrose family, not the violets. It grows in ditches, ponds, fen pools, and quiet backwaters across much of Europe, growing in clear, base-rich water. As autumn approaches the plant forms resting buds that sink to the bottom and overwinter, regrowing the following spring. It spreads by fragments of stem that root readily, and dense stands can cover the water surface. Water that turns turbid or heavily shaded reduces flowering. The submerged foliage shelters aquatic invertebrates, and the flowers draw long-tongued insects.
Native Range
Native to lowland Europe from Britain and Scandinavia south to Italy and east into Russia and western Siberia. It grows in clean, still or slow-moving fresh water.Suggested Uses
Grown in wildlife ponds, garden pools, and still-water margins for its submerged foliage and spring flowers. It functions as an oxygenating plant in clear ponds. It is used in aquatic plantings that support invertebrates and amphibians.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Whorls of pale lilac flowers open from May to June on stalks held above the water. The lowest whorl opens first, with flowering continuing upward over three to four weeks. The flowers are pollinated by hoverflies and bees and occur in two forms with differing stamen and style lengths.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale lilac with yellow throatFoliage Description
pale greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight