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Carolina Water-shield

Cabomba caroliniana

Last reviewed: June 2026

Carolina Water-shield (Cabomba caroliniana)
Photo: Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states

Pollinators

bees

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Texas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Carolina water-shield is an aquatic plant that grows submerged in ponds, streams, and water gardens. It produces feathery underwater foliage and small white flowers that bloom at the water surface during summer months.

In an HOA neighborhood

Carolina Water-shield 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.

  • Requires permanent standing water
  • Not suitable for typical residential landscaping
  • May be viewed as pond weeds by some HOAs

Wildlife value

The summer blooms attract bees and other pollinators. As an aquatic plant, it provides habitat for fish and aquatic insects.

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 Carolina Water-shield fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

See it in the app

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