Dotted Duckmeat
Spirodela punctata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
0.5"–2" H × 1"–3" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, IL, IN, KY and 1 more states
Dotted duckmeat is a tiny aquatic floating plant that forms small colonies on the surface of ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water. Each plant consists of a small oval frond less than 2 inches across that floats freely without soil anchoring. It blooms with inconspicuous flowers during summer months.
In an HOA neighborhood
Dotted Duckmeat takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires permanent water feature
- Not suitable for traditional landscaping
- May be viewed as pond weeds by HOAs
Wildlife value
This aquatic plant provides habitat for small aquatic insects and serves as food for waterfowl and fish. It also helps oxygenate water and provides cover for small aquatic creatures.
Common questions
- How much sun does Dotted Duckmeat need?
- Dotted Duckmeat grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Dotted Duckmeat bloom?
- Dotted Duckmeat blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Dotted Duckmeat native?
- Dotted Duckmeat (Spirodela punctata) is native to AL, IL, IN, KY and 1 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Dotted Duckmeat HOA-friendly?
- Dotted Duckmeat 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 Dotted Duckmeat? 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