One of the water starworts (Callitriche palustris)

Water starwort is a plant found in the rivers of the Stour Catchment, as well as other aquatic habitats. It can be submerged or emergent and will also grow on exposed muddy banks. There are several closely related species of water starwort, which can be difficult to tell apart. Identification is further complicated because the shapes of its leaves adapt to the environment it is growing in. This is a characteristics species of plant communities associated with chalk streams, together with water crowfoot and watercress. Water starwort is not of conservation concern, but KSCPs work to maintain healthy rivers means that this species keeps its place in river floral communities.