How much sun does Hornleaf Riverweed need?

Hornleaf Riverweed grows best in part sun conditions.

Where is Hornleaf Riverweed native?

Hornleaf Riverweed (Podostemum ceratophyllum) is native to AL, AR, CT, GA and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Hornleaf Riverweed HOA-friendly?

Hornleaf Riverweed takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Hornleaf Riverweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Podostemum ceratophyllum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Hornleaf Riverweed (Podostemum ceratophyllum) 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"–12" H × 2"–18" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, GA and 19 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 452 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

Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Northern Forests Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Southern Coastal Plain Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Hornleaf riverweed is an aquatic native plant that grows naturally on rocks in fast-flowing streams and rivers. This unusual perennial forms moss-like mats with finely divided, feathery foliage that remains submerged or semi-submerged in moving water.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hornleaf Riverweed 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 flowing water habitat
Not suitable for typical landscaping
Only grows in streams and rivers

Wildlife value

This specialized aquatic plant provides habitat for stream insects and small fish. It helps maintain water quality and stream ecosystem health in its natural habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Hornleaf Riverweed need?: Hornleaf Riverweed grows best in part sun conditions.
Where is Hornleaf Riverweed native?: Hornleaf Riverweed (Podostemum ceratophyllum) is native to AL, AR, CT, GA and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Hornleaf Riverweed HOA-friendly?: Hornleaf Riverweed 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.

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