How much sun does Awl-leaf Lilaea need?

Awl-leaf Lilaea grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Awl-leaf Lilaea bloom?

Awl-leaf Lilaea blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Awl-leaf Lilaea native?

Awl-leaf Lilaea (Triglochin scilloides) is native to CA, MT, NV, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Awl-leaf Lilaea HOA-friendly?

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

Awl-leaf Lilaea

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Triglochin scilloides

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Awl-leaf Lilaea (Triglochin scilloides) 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

2"–12" H × 1"–6" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, MT, NV, OR and 1 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Northwestern Forested Mountains Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Triglochin scilloides is a small native wetland plant that forms low clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves. It produces tiny inconspicuous flowers on short spikes during late spring and summer. This species requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and is best suited for bog gardens or water features.

In an HOA neighborhood

Awl-leaf Lilaea 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 are difficult to maintain
Very small and inconspicuous appearance may look sparse
Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

This plant provides habitat for wetland insects and small creatures. The seeds may be eaten by waterfowl and other birds that frequent wet areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Awl-leaf Lilaea need?: Awl-leaf Lilaea grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Awl-leaf Lilaea bloom?: Awl-leaf Lilaea blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Awl-leaf Lilaea native?: Awl-leaf Lilaea (Triglochin scilloides) is native to CA, MT, NV, OR and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Awl-leaf Lilaea HOA-friendly?: Awl-leaf Lilaea 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.

Ready to grow Awl-leaf Lilaea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz