Very variable water-plant, very difficult to identify to a species-level even if fruits are present.  Usually seen as small bright-green floating rosettes, with variously oval or strap-shaped leaves, but may be completely submerged. Male and female flowers borne separately; very small and inconspicuous, in leaf axils.  The fruit is a groups of 4 nutlets, each containing a seed.

Identification to species level requires examination of the fruits. 

Indicator Species - Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

For records of starwort not determined by an exert to species-level,

Aquatic and terrestrial usually in or near ponds, ditches, still or slow moving water.

Flowers April to September.

Perennial.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain as an aggregate.

Fairly frequent as an aggregate in Leicestershire and Rutland.