How much sun does Combleaf Mermaidweed need?

Combleaf Mermaidweed grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Combleaf Mermaidweed bloom?

Combleaf Mermaidweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Combleaf Mermaidweed native?

Combleaf Mermaidweed (Proserpinaca pectinata) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Combleaf Mermaidweed HOA-friendly?

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

Combleaf Mermaidweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Proserpinaca pectinata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Combleaf Mermaidweed (Proserpinaca pectinata) 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

4"–24" H × 2"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, DE, FL, GA and 17 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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northeastern Coastal Zone Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Combleaf mermaidweed is an aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial native to wetlands and pond edges. This small plant produces distinctive feathery, comb-like leaves and tiny inconspicuous flowers from summer through early fall. It requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and is primarily suited for water gardens or bog areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Combleaf Mermaidweed 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 wetland conditions unsuitable for typical landscaping
Aquatic growth habit appears unconventional in standard gardens
May look sparse or weedy outside its natural habitat

Wildlife value

This plant provides habitat for aquatic insects and serves as food for waterfowl. Its specialized wetland nature limits its appeal to most pollinators compared to terrestrial native plants.

Common questions

How much sun does Combleaf Mermaidweed need?: Combleaf Mermaidweed grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Combleaf Mermaidweed bloom?: Combleaf Mermaidweed blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Combleaf Mermaidweed native?: Combleaf Mermaidweed (Proserpinaca pectinata) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Combleaf Mermaidweed HOA-friendly?: Combleaf Mermaidweed 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.

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