Description
Marsilea quadrifolia spreads by rhizomes. Fronds have slender pale green stalks that are 10 to 18 cm long; they become smoother with age. The fronds are shaped like a four-leaf clover, with four fan-shaped leaflets, each about 1.2 cm wide and long. They have smooth edges, and sparse hairs below. Round, bean-shaped sporocarps are attached at the base of the leafstalk. There are 2 to 5 sporocarps per frond and each sporocarp has a stalk that is 5 to 12.5 mm long. Sporocarps are soft and smooth, brown to black, and about 3 mm at their widest (Wu et al. 2013). It tends to grow in sandy to loamy soils, and prefers a sunny to partly sunny environment (Wu et al. 2013; MBG).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
The leaves and stems are used as food, but only as a last resort. The plant also has medicinal properties. It is used to treat fever, snakebites, inflammation, and is used as a diuretic (Gupta 2011).
Distribution
Marsilea quadrifolia is an aquatic plant, growing in standing or slow-moving water, such as rivers, ponds, and ditches (Cao and Berent 2014). It is native to China, Japan, Korea, and Europe. It has also naturalized in northeastern North America (Wu et al. 2013). In the Midwestern United States, it may outcompete native species (Cao and Berent 2014). It grows in USDA zones 6 to 10 (MBG).
Status
Marsilea quadrifolia is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Least Concern", citing a widespread range and little to no threats that would threaten its population (Gupta 2011).
References
Cao, L., and Berent, L. 2014. <i>Marsilea quadrifolia</i>. <i>Nonindigenous Aquatic Species</i>. <a>https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/GreatLakes/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=293</a>.<br><br>Gupta, A. K. 2011. <i>Marsilea quadrifolia.</i> <i>The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species</i>. <a>http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2011-1.RLTS.T161864A5505853.en</a><br><br>MBG (Missouri Botanical Garden), Marsilea quadrifolia. <i>Plant Finder</i>. [accessed 2019 Jun 12]. <a>www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a628</a>.<br><br>Wu, Z. Y., Raven, P. H., and Hong, D. Y., eds. 2013. <i>Flora of China. Vol. 2-3 (Lycopodiaceae through Polypodiaceae)</i>. Beijing: Science Press, and St. Louis: Missouri Botanical Garden Press.
