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Dwarf Sundew

Drosera brevifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Dwarf Sundew (Drosera brevifolia)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Dwarf Sundew (Drosera brevifolia) 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

1"–3" H × 1"–3" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 12 more states

Pollinators

flies, beetles

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 459 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

East Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsPiedmontMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsSouthern Coastal Plain

Dwarf sundew is a tiny carnivorous plant that forms small rosettes of sticky, dewdrop-covered leaves that trap insects. This diminutive annual produces delicate white or pink flowers on thin stems in spring and thrives in consistently moist, boggy conditions.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Dwarf Sundew 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 size makes it nearly invisible in landscape
  • Carnivorous nature and bog requirements are unconventional
  • Annual lifespan means gaps in coverage

Wildlife value

Attracts flies and beetles, though primarily as prey rather than pollinators. Provides unique ecological function as an insect-eating plant in wet garden areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Dwarf Sundew need?
Dwarf Sundew grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Dwarf Sundew bloom?
Dwarf Sundew blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Dwarf Sundew native?
Dwarf Sundew (Drosera brevifolia) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Dwarf Sundew attract?
Dwarf Sundew draws flies and beetles.
Is Dwarf Sundew HOA-friendly?
Dwarf Sundew 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.

See all plant problem guides

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