The frog spoon is a marsh and aquatic plant that grows perennially and herbaceously. It often forms rhizomes, which makes it easy to propagate, or root tubers. The flower color is usually white to pink.
What are the characteristics of the frog spoon plant?
The frog spoon is a marsh and aquatic plant from the frog spoon family. It prefers pond edges and stream banks with water depths of 10-50 cm, full sun and nutrient-rich soil. The most well-known species include common, lanceolate, grass-leaved and round-leaved frog spoon.
Actually a plant genus and not an individual plant
Behind the name frog spoon there is an entire genus of plants with around eight different species, not just a single plant. They are all native to wetlands in the temperate to subtropical zone and belong to the frog family. Some of these species are, for example, the lanceolate, the grass-leaved and the round-leaved frog spoon, but also the common frog spoon.
The Common Frog Spoon
The common frog spoon is relatively widespread and grows to a height of around 20 – 90 cm. It likes to grow in sunny locations and shallow waters. The flowering time is in July and August. The milky sap of the common frog spoon has a skin-irritating and blistering effect, and the tuber is also poisonous. Consumption is usually fatal for grazing livestock, except for goats. However, the toxic substances are broken down by drying. However, we strongly advise against consumption.
The lanceolate frog spoon
The lanceolate frogspoon is similar to the common frogspoon, but is occasionally confused with it. However, it forms a more compact and less sprawling inflorescence and is much less common than the common frog spoon. But it opens its flowers in the morning and not just at midday. Its flowering period ranges from May to September depending on the location.
Where does the frog spoon feel comfortable?
The frog spoon loves pond edges and stream banks with a water depth of around 10 - 50 cm and full sun. He also likes nutrient-rich soil. If these requirements are met, then it is easy to care for and blooms prolifically.
However, wherever it pleases, it spreads out quite generously. You can only prevent this by courageous pruning. You shouldn't necessarily leave the seed heads standing either, because the frog spoon and its own self-extinguisher are quite easy.
Different types of frog spoon:
- Common Frog Spoon
- Lancelet-leaved frog spoon
- Grass-leaved frog spoon
- Round-leaved frog spoon
Tip
If you don't want the frog spoon to overgrow your entire pond, cut it back regularly. Be sure to also remove any seeds that have bloomed, otherwise the frog spoon itself will grow out again.
