Common Butterwort
Pinguicula vulgaris
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
2"–8" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
ME, MI, MN, NH and 3 more states
Common butterwort is a tiny carnivorous perennial that forms small rosettes of sticky, pale green leaves. It produces delicate purple flowers on short stems during late spring and summer. This unusual plant requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Common Butterwort 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.
- Extremely small and unusual appearance may look like weeds
- Requires boggy conditions that appear unmaintained
- Carnivorous nature and tiny size make it inappropriate for formal landscapes
Wildlife value
The small purple flowers attract tiny pollinators like small flies and gnats. As a carnivorous plant, it helps control small flying insects in the garden.
Common questions
- How much sun does Common Butterwort need?
- Common Butterwort grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Common Butterwort bloom?
- Common Butterwort blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Common Butterwort native?
- Common Butterwort (Pinguicula vulgaris) is native to ME, MI, MN, NH and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Common Butterwort HOA-friendly?
- Common Butterwort 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 Common Butterwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz