How much sun does American Featherfoil need?

American Featherfoil grows best in part sun conditions.

When does American Featherfoil bloom?

American Featherfoil blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is American Featherfoil native?

American Featherfoil (Hottonia inflata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is American Featherfoil HOA-friendly?

American Featherfoil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Featherfoil

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hottonia inflata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Featherfoil (Hottonia inflata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

South Central Plains Ozark Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Mississippi Alluvial Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

American featherfoil is an aquatic annual with delicate, feathery foliage and small white flowers that bloom from May through July. This water-loving plant typically grows 6-24 inches tall and requires consistently moist to wet conditions to thrive. It's best suited for water gardens, bog areas, or consistently wet soil locations.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Featherfoil takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires specialized wet conditions that appear unkempt in typical landscapes
Annual lifespan means gaps and replanting needs
Aquatic nature limits placement to water features only

Wildlife value

While specific pollinator data is limited, the small flowers likely attract various small pollinators during its spring and summer bloom period. As an aquatic plant, it may also provide habitat for beneficial insects in water garden settings.

Common questions

How much sun does American Featherfoil need?: American Featherfoil grows best in part sun conditions.
When does American Featherfoil bloom?: American Featherfoil blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is American Featherfoil native?: American Featherfoil (Hottonia inflata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is American Featherfoil HOA-friendly?: American Featherfoil takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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