False Mermaid
Floerkea proserpinacoides
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, CO, CT, DE and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
False mermaid is a small, delicate annual wildflower native to shaded woodland areas. It produces tiny white flowers from April through June and has finely divided, feathery foliage. This ephemeral plant typically completes its life cycle by mid-summer and may not return reliably each year.
In an HOA neighborhood
False Mermaid 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.
- Extremely small and easily overlooked
- Annual nature means unreliable presence
- Can appear weedy or sparse in maintained landscapes
Wildlife value
This native plant provides nectar for small bees and flies during its spring blooming period. Its small size and brief flowering window offer modest but valuable early-season pollinator support.
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.
Does False Mermaid fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.