How much sun does Carolina Water-shield need?

Carolina Water-shield grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Carolina Water-shield bloom?

Carolina Water-shield blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Carolina Water-shield native?

Carolina Water-shield (Cabomba caroliniana) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Carolina Water-shield toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Carolina Water-shield as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Carolina Water-shield attract?

Carolina Water-shield draws bees.

Is Carolina Water-shield HOA-friendly?

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

Carolina Water-shield

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cabomba caroliniana

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Carolina Water-shield as toxic to livestock.

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 Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South 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.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina Water-shield need?: Carolina Water-shield grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Carolina Water-shield bloom?: Carolina Water-shield blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Carolina Water-shield native?: Carolina Water-shield (Cabomba caroliniana) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Carolina Water-shield toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Carolina Water-shield as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Carolina Water-shield attract?: Carolina Water-shield draws bees.
Is Carolina Water-shield HOA-friendly?: Carolina Water-shield 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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