Callitriche heterophylla, commonly known as twoheaded water-starwort, is an aquatic perennial herb native to a wide range of freshwater habitats in North America, including ponds, slow-moving streams, and wetlands from Greenland to Alaska and extending south to Mexico. It is often found in shallow water or saturated soils. This plant typically grows submerged with only the tips of its stems floating on the water’s surface. It reaches a modest size, with stems rarely exceeding a few inches in length, and produces tiny, inconspicuous greenish flowers throughout the growing season, which are not particularly showy but are interesting upon close inspection.

Twoheaded water-starwort is valued for its role in aquatic ecosystems, providing oxygenation and habitat for aquatic wildlife. It is used in water gardens and ponds for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and its contribution to water clarity by competing with algae for nutrients. This plant prefers full sun to part shade and requires a consistently wet or aquatic environment to grow. It is relatively low maintenance, but care should be taken to ensure it does not become invasive in areas outside its native range, as it can spread quickly under ideal conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0