American Pillwort
Pilularia americana
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
1"–3" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, CA, GA and 9 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
American pillwort is a tiny aquatic fern that forms small clumps of grass-like fronds in wet soils or shallow water. This diminutive native plant stays very low to the ground and requires consistently moist to wet conditions to thrive.
In an HOA neighborhood
American Pillwort 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 unsuitable for typical landscaping
- Extremely small size makes it nearly invisible in standard plantings
- May appear weedy or unkempt without proper water garden context
Wildlife value
This small fern provides limited direct wildlife value but contributes to wetland ecosystems. It may offer some habitat for small invertebrates in water garden settings.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does American Pillwort fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.