This member of the Marsilaceae family looks much more like a succulent grass before flowering than a fern. At this site it is usually under water but in this dry year the edge of the pond had become firm mud and the Pillwort was in the open. The only indication of this plant's similarity to ferns can be seen in the young blade's tendency to unfurl from a little coil.

Although uncommon in any part of the country, this plant can still be found in England Scotland, Wales and Ireland where it tends to be more frequent in the west.

Pool near Sychnant Pass, North Wales 25th July 2005

Added on November 13th 2005, updated 20th June 2011