Callitriche palustris, commonly known as Vernal Water-Starwort, is an aquatic perennial herb native to a wide range of freshwater habitats, including slow-moving streams, ponds, and marshes across North America, Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It typically forms dense mats on the water’s surface or grows submerged. This species is characterized by its small, star-shaped, green flowers that bloom from April to September, though they are not particularly showy. The plant also produces tiny, inconspicuous fruits.

Vernal Water-Starwort is valued for its role in aquatic gardening, providing oxygenation and habitat for aquatic wildlife. It is relatively low-maintenance, requiring full sun to part shade and thriving in shallow, calm, or slow-moving waters with neutral to alkaline pH levels. It can be used as a floating plant in ponds or contained water gardens. However, it can become invasive in some regions, outcompeting native species, so caution is advised when introducing it to natural water bodies.CC BY-SA 4.0