Skip to main content

Flatleaf Bladderwort

Utricularia intermedia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Flatleaf Bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia)
Photo: Johann Georg Sturm (Painter: Jacob Sturm) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Flatleaf Bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia) 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

full sun

Water

high

Size

4"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, CT, IA and 23 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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Flatleaf bladderwort is an aquatic carnivorous plant that grows submerged in shallow water or very wet soil. It produces small yellow snapdragon-like flowers on stems that rise above the water surface during summer months.

In an HOA neighborhood

Flatleaf Bladderwort 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 specialized aquatic conditions
  • Unconventional carnivorous plant may seem too unusual
  • Only suitable for water features or bog gardens

Wildlife value

The flowers attract small flying insects and provide nectar for various pollinators. As an aquatic plant, it also supports wetland ecosystems and water-dwelling invertebrates.

Common questions

How much sun does Flatleaf Bladderwort need?
Flatleaf Bladderwort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Flatleaf Bladderwort bloom?
Flatleaf Bladderwort blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Flatleaf Bladderwort native?
Flatleaf Bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia) is native to CA, CO, CT, IA and 23 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Flatleaf Bladderwort HOA-friendly?
Flatleaf Bladderwort 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.

Ready to grow Flatleaf Bladderwort? 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