Callitriche marginata Torr.

Growth Form

This species, Callitriche marginata Torr., forms a floating mat of tiny leaf rosettes. Long, hairlike stems anchor it to roots in muddy substrate.

Terrestrial Stem Characteristics

When growing out of water, each stem reaches up to around 10 centimeters long and grows into a tangled mass.

Inflorescence Features

Its inflorescence sometimes bears two inflated whitish bracts next to the flower.

Seed Dormancy

The seeds stay dormant in soil through the dry season.

Range Conservation Status

Across its range, Callitriche marginata Torr. is secure in the southern portion of its range, which includes California and Baja California. It is rare in Oregon, has not been recorded in Washington, and is known from only eight occurrences in British Columbia.

California Distribution

Within California, it occurs from the Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges, through the Central Valley, to the High Sierra Nevada.