Greater Bladderwort
Utricularia vulgaris
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
4"–24" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
WI
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Greater bladderwort is an aquatic carnivorous plant that floats freely in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving water. It produces bright yellow snapdragon-like flowers on stems that rise above the water surface during summer months. This plant requires permanent standing water to survive and cannot be grown in typical garden soil.
In an HOA neighborhood
Greater 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.
- Requires permanent standing water which creates mosquito breeding habitat
- Carnivorous nature and floating growth habit appear very unconventional
- Cannot be maintained in typical landscaped areas without water features
Wildlife value
The bright yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators during the long blooming season from May through September.
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 Greater Bladderwort fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.