Where does Marsilea macropoda naturally grow?

Bigfoot Waterclover is native to New Mexico and Texas, where it grows in shallow water, pond margins, and seasonally wet areas.

What type of plant is Marsilea macropoda?

Despite its common name suggesting it's a clover, Bigfoot Waterclover is actually an aquatic fern that produces the characteristic four-leaflet fronds resembling a four-leaf clover.

What growing conditions does Bigfoot Waterclover need?

This aquatic fern requires consistently moist to wet conditions and grows best in full sun to partial sun locations near water sources.

Is Bigfoot Waterclover HOA-friendly?

Bigfoot Waterclover is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Bigfoot Waterclover

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Marsilea macropoda

Last reviewed: July 2026

Marsilea macropoda (Bigfoot Waterclover) is a native aquatic fern found in New Mexico and Texas. This distinctive four-leaf clover relative grows in shallow water and wet soils.

Bigfoot Waterclover (Marsilea macropoda) — Photo: (c) Alison Northup, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alison Northup

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

3"–12" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Bigfoot Waterclover is a unique native aquatic fern that forms low spreading mats of four-leaflet clover-like foliage. This moisture-loving groundcover thrives in wet soils and can tolerate seasonal flooding, making it ideal for rain gardens and bog areas.

Growing Bigfoot Waterclover

Grow Bigfoot Waterclover in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 3 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bigfoot Waterclover is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

As a fern, this plant does not produce flowers or attract pollinators but provides habitat for aquatic insects and amphibians in wet garden areas.

Common questions

Where does Marsilea macropoda naturally grow?: Bigfoot Waterclover is native to New Mexico and Texas, where it grows in shallow water, pond margins, and seasonally wet areas.
What type of plant is Marsilea macropoda?: Despite its common name suggesting it's a clover, Bigfoot Waterclover is actually an aquatic fern that produces the characteristic four-leaflet fronds resembling a four-leaf clover.
What growing conditions does Bigfoot Waterclover need?: This aquatic fern requires consistently moist to wet conditions and grows best in full sun to partial sun locations near water sources.
Is Bigfoot Waterclover HOA-friendly?: Bigfoot Waterclover is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Bigfoot Waterclover? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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