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Carolina Mosquitofern

Azolla caroliniana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Carolina Mosquitofern (Azolla caroliniana)
Photo: David Perez / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Carolina Mosquitofern (Azolla caroliniana) 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 shade

Water

high

Size

0.5"–2" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross TimbersTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsPiedmontDriftless AreaCentral Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Carolina mosquitofern is a tiny floating aquatic fern that forms dense mats on the surface of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waterways. This diminutive native plant has delicate, overlapping fronds that create a carpet-like appearance on water surfaces. It requires consistent moisture or standing water to thrive and is not suitable for traditional landscape beds.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires water features or constantly wet conditions
  • Can spread aggressively in aquatic settings
  • Not suitable for traditional landscaping applications

Wildlife value

This aquatic fern provides habitat for small fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. It also helps control mosquito populations by creating surface coverage that limits breeding habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina Mosquitofern need?
Carolina Mosquitofern grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Carolina Mosquitofern native?
Carolina Mosquitofern (Azolla caroliniana) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Carolina Mosquitofern HOA-friendly?
Carolina Mosquitofern 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

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

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