Starwort (Callitriche Stagnalis)

Starwort | Callitriche Stagnalis

Native Oxygenating Pond Plant for Wildlife Ponds and Crystal Clear Water

A Favourite of Newts, Frogs and Pond Wildlife

Starwort (Callitriche stagnalis) is one of the most valuable native oxygenating pond plants for wildlife ponds, garden ponds, and natural water features. Loved by newts, frogs, and aquatic insects, this fast growing British native helps create a healthy, balanced ecosystem while improving water quality and supporting biodiversity.

Its delicate floating foliage consists of small oval green leaves that form attractive mats across the water’s surface, while submerged stems provide valuable shelter beneath the water. During the growing season, Starwort produces tiny, understated flowers and rapidly develops into an excellent habitat for pond wildlife.

One of Starwort’s greatest benefits is its importance to amphibians. Newts are particularly fond of this plant and frequently use the soft leaves when laying eggs, carefully wrapping individual eggs within the foliage for protection. Frogs, tadpoles, aquatic insects, and small fish also benefit from the dense underwater growth, which provides cover from predators and shelter from strong sunlight.

As an oxygenating pond plant, Starwort actively releases oxygen into the water during daylight hours. This oxygen helps support fish, amphibians, and beneficial bacteria while contributing to a healthier pond environment. At the same time, the plant absorbs excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates, helping to reduce the conditions that encourage blanketweed and algae growth.

Starwort thrives in still or slow moving water and is suitable for planting at depths ranging from 5cm to 150cm. Once established, it grows quickly and provides excellent coverage, making it one of the most effective oxygenators for wildlife ponds and natural ponds.

Each pack contains 5 weighted bunches of Starwort, providing approximately 2.5 square metres of coverage. The weighted bunches make planting straightforward and allow the stems to settle naturally onto the pond floor where they can root into gravel, sand, or fine substrate.

Fully hardy throughout the UK, easy to maintain, and exceptionally beneficial for wildlife, Starwort is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve pond health naturally while creating an attractive habitat for amphibians and aquatic life.

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Key Benefits

• Native British oxygenating pond plant

• Excellent for wildlife ponds

• Highly favoured by newts for egg laying

• Helps improve water clarity naturally

• Absorbs excess nutrients that feed algae

• Produces valuable oxygen for pond life

• Provides shelter for fish, frogs, and tadpoles

• Fast growing and easy to establish

• Suitable for still and slow moving water

• Fully hardy throughout the UK

• Supplied as 5 weighted bunches

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Reasons to Buy

• One of the best oxygenating plants for wildlife ponds

• Creates ideal breeding habitat for newts

• Helps reduce blanketweed and algae naturally

• Encourages a healthy pond ecosystem

• Provides excellent underwater cover for aquatic life

• Native British species perfect for natural ponds

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Care Instructions

Starwort is simple to grow and requires very little maintenance once established.

Place the weighted bunches directly into the pond at a depth between 5cm and 150cm. Ideally, allow the stems to root into gravel, sand, or fine aquatic soil. If your pond does not contain a suitable substrate, place the bunches into an aquatic basket filled with fine gravel or aquatic compost and position it on the pond floor.

To maintain healthy growth, remove excess growth when required. Any trimmed material should be left at the pond edge for 24 hours before disposal, allowing insects, amphibians, and other pond creatures to return safely to the water.

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Flowering Period

May to September

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Size and Growing Conditions

Height: Variable depending on water depth

Spread: Can cover large areas once established

Growth Rate: Fast

Planting Depth: 5cm to 150cm

Position: Full Sun or Partial Shade

Hardiness: H5 (-15°C to -10°C)

Coverage: Pack of 5 weighted bunches covers approximately 2.5m²

Native UK Plant: Yes

Wildlife Friendly: Yes

Newt Friendly: Yes

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Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Your Starwort will arrive as a pack of 5 freshly prepared weighted bunches ready for immediate planting.

Each bunch is carefully selected and weighted to help it sink naturally into the pond. Simply place the bunches into the water upon arrival and allow them to establish.

As a natural aquatic plant, appearance may vary slightly throughout the season depending on the time of year and growth stage.