American featherfoil (Hottonia inflata) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
American featherfoil, Featherfoil
Family
Primulaceae (primrose family)
Origin
Eastern United States, Texas to Maine, on the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains
Water
freshwater
Care level
intermediate

Care

A water plant of the primrose family found here and there on the coastal plains of the eastern USA, from Texas to Maine, in swamps, ditches and shallow ponds (including beaver ponds) with steady water levels. It has fibrous roots in the mud, fine, feathery free-floating roots and finely divided leaves, and bears small white or violet flowers on swollen, inflated stalks. Our sources say nothing about it in aquariums. Like its European relative the water violet, it is a cool-water plant, better suited to ponds and unheated tanks than tropical ones. Water figures are not given by the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hottoniainflata); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Not described by our sources; relatives are increased from stem cuttings.

Compatibility and tank mates

Suits coldwater tanks and ponds; soft feathery leaves may be eaten by goldfish.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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