Mare's-tail
hippuris vulgaris
Also known as: ["Common Mare's-tail","Hippuris vulgaris L."]
Overview
A perennial aquatic plant with simple, linear leaves arranged in whorls around the stem, typically found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Genus: | Hippuris |
| Botanical Name: | Hippuris vulgaris |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: shallow water margins, ponds, or bogs
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–10"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate some waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Moist, rich soil with good organic matter content. Suitable for boggy conditions or aquatic planters.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once or twice a year or when dead foliage is noticeable.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning to remove only dead or yellowing leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light conditions, making it suitable for shaded water gardens or boggy areas.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from low to higher light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves; ideal for indoor or shaded outdoor placement.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct sun; thrive in shade; adjust placement based on light intensity.
Watering
constantly moist, never allowed to dry out
Maintain soil moisture without waterlogging; water more frequently during hot, dry periods; ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
sandy, loamy, or clay soil at the edge of water bodies
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.0–7.0.
Keep soil consistently moist; add organic matter for fertility; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally between 50–70°F (10–21°C). Tolerates cooler water temperatures in aquatic settings.
Keep in cool to moderate conditions; protect from extreme cold; monitor for signs of heat stress.
Fertilizing
rarely required, every 3 months with slow-release fertilizer if in a container
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize less in winter; apply to soil, not foliage.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes. Stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch stem cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or moist medium.
- Keep in indirect light until roots form.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light. Keep the medium consistently moist.
Medium
Water or a mix of peat and perlite for stem cuttings; moist soil for rhizome division.
Hormone
Not typically necessary but can be used to encourage faster rooting.
Timeline
Stem cuttings may root in 2–4 weeks; rhizome division will establish more quickly if healthy.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or containers, water or propagation medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; change water regularly if using water propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead or damaged leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning is required. Remove dead or damaged foliage as needed to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Sharp scissors or pruning shears, clean cloth for sterilization.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune only dead or damaged foliage; avoid over-pruning; dispose of clippings properly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant from its container; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or the soil quality degrades. Typically every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; ensure good drainage; water after repotting; acclimate slowly to new container.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch feels dry; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency based on season and weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly at the root zone until water begins to drain from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution. Avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal issues. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry during the day.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water consistently to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during active growth periods. Reduce watering slightly in winter but ensure the plant does not dry out completely.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss to improve moisture retention and fertility; ensure soil remains consistently moist.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in response to extreme heat or cold stress.
Cold Stress
Cold temperatures can slow growth but are generally tolerated. Prolonged freezing may damage foliage but the plant is often resilient.
Solution: Provide protection in freezing conditions, such as moving containers indoors or covering in-ground plants. Ensure water does not freeze completely.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, or reduced vigor, especially if combined with low water availability.
Solution: Increase watering frequency during hot spells; provide shade if in direct sun; ensure adequate humidity if grown in containers.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; dilute properly; fertilize during growing season only; avoid over-fertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicHippuris vulgaris is not toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicHippuris vulgaris is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicHippuris vulgaris, commonly known as mare's-tail, is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Hippuris vulgaris toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Where does Hippuris vulgaris grow best?
A: It thrives in aquatic environments such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.
Q: Does Hippuris vulgaris require high maintenance?
A: No, it has low maintenance needs and is relatively easy to care for.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Plantaginaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | constantly moist, never allowe |
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