Hottonia palustris aka Water Violet

Hottonia palustris is a water plant in the primrose family, Primulaceae. Its common names include water violet and featherfoil. Its native range runs from Europe to northern Türkiye. The RHS also lists it as native to Britain and Ireland. It grows in temperate regions, where ponds and ditches provide its habitat. This perennial spends much of its life below the water.

Its fine, feather-like leaves grow in whorls beneath the surface. The foliage is deciduous rather than evergreen. Pale purple flowers rise above the water in late spring. This puts the blooms above the submerged mass of leaves. Garden plants reach about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres] tall. Their spread reaches about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. The RHS gives five to ten years as the time to maturity.

Grow water violet in full sun, in clear pond water. Still water or a very slow flow suits it. Plant it in pond margins, or use baskets within a pool. Mature plants can grow in water 2 feet [0.6 metres] deep. It accepts clay, loam and sand as planting soils. Acid, neutral and alkaline conditions all fall within its listed range. A south-facing or west-facing site suits its need for sun. The RHS lists both exposed and sheltered sites as suitable. Its UK hardiness rating is H5. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9.

Water violet helps oxygenate ponds and suits wildlife gardens. The RHS includes it among plants for low-maintenance settings. It needs no pruning, and disease is not usually a problem. A false leaf-mining midge may attack it. Filamentous algae can also cover and smother the leaves. Divide plants in spring, or raise new plants from seed. Some plants form resting buds that sink for winter. These buds make fresh growth when spring returns.

Plants For A Future reports no known edible uses. It also lists no known hazards for this species. That does not establish it as safe to eat. The same source records its use in Bach flower remedies. This record does not show that such remedies work. In gardens, its supported roles are as an aquatic ornamental and oxygenator. Its underwater leaves and raised flowers give it two distinct layers.