Product Overview
Fairy Moss (Azolla caroliniana) floating pond plant
Azolla is a tiny plant only about 1/4" long, but which grows quickly and can form large, connected floating sections.
This floating pond plant is a true fern, not a moss. Azolla may turn reddish or even completely red in full sun, or conversely in cooler weather.
Koi eat azolla and it is very nutritious for them. For that matter, several companies have formed specifically to promote the use of azolla for human food, including a plant-based burger; it is very high in protein.
One of the interesting facts about azolla is that it lives in a symbiotic relationship with a cyanobacterium (Anabaena azollae) that fixes nitrogen from the soil, in a similar manner to legumes, so that azolla can get all its nitrogen fertilizer needs from the nitrogen in the air. In fact, unlike legumes, this bacterium is present in all the life cycles of azolla, and is passed on internally from one generation to the next. This unique feature makes azolla a potent natural fertilizer for your garden.
If you grow a surplus in your pond, it makes a very effective composting material, or simply use it as a mulch for your garden. It will release all its nutrients and enrich the soil, and helps amend the soil in very healthy ways.
This attractive floating pond plant will grow in damp soil or on moist rocks along the ponds edge. On damp soil or when not allowed to spread, it will form thick layers; it has even been used effectively as a companion plant that mimics real moss in bonsai gardens.
Please don't confuse Azolla caroliniana with Azolla pinnata a similar species from South America. Azolla pinnata is not native and considered invasive, while Azolla caroliniana is a US native, so has the (implied default) blessing of the Federal Government! However, because it can grow so quickly and even generate some of its own fertilizer, don't release it into a large body of water unless you have koi to eat it, or unless you are trying to grow surplus for garden fertilizing (or azolla-burgers!). Otherwise, stick to putting azolla in small to medium water features.
Azolla floating pond plant is sold in a 1/2 cup portion, minimum of 3 portions.
Hardiness Zones: 9-11
Light Requirements: Full Sun to Shade
Height: 1/4"-1/2", spreads by breaking into smaller pieces
Water Depth: Floating Surface Pond Plant
