PatternBaseWater Fern
Azolla filiculoides, Salviniaceae
Zones
5–10
Layer
Aquatic
Lifespan
Perennial
Growth
Fast
Guild Roles
Nitrogen Fixer
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (acceptable)Partial Sun (optimal)
Water
High
Soil pH
5 – 7.5
Tolerances
Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.
Companion Plants
Antagonistic Plants
Water HyacinthEichhornia crassipes
Water hyacinth's dense canopy blocks light needed by water fern and releases allelopathic substances that inhibit nitrogen-fixing plants
Giant SalviniaSalvinia molestaGiant salvinia outcompetes water fern for light and surface space, reducing nitrogen fixation capacity
Uses
Functions
Nitrogen FixationWater FiltrationFodder
Common Questions
What zones does Water Fern grow in?
Water Fern grows in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10.
Is Water Fern a nitrogen fixer?
Yes, Water Fern is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.
What are good companion plants for Water Fern?
Good companions for Water Fern include Water Spinach, Rice, Sacred Lotus, Spotless Watermeal, Taro.
Design guilds with Water Fern and see companion relationships visually.
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