How much sun does Howell's Quillwort need?

Howell's Quillwort grows best in part shade conditions.

Where is Howell's Quillwort native?

Howell's Quillwort (Isoetes howellii) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Howell's Quillwort HOA-friendly?

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

Howell's Quillwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Isoetes howellii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Howell's Quillwort (Isoetes howellii) 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 shade

Water

medium

Size

2"–8" H × 1"–4" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 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 437 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

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Howell's quillwort is a small, grass-like fern that forms compact clumps of thin, upright green leaves. This rare native plant stays very low to the ground and maintains its neat appearance year-round. It requires consistently moist conditions and is typically found in specialized wetland habitats.

In an HOA neighborhood

Howell's Quillwort 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.

Extremely rare species inappropriate for cultivation
Requires specialized wetland conditions
Very small size makes it barely visible in landscape

Wildlife value

As a fern, this plant does not produce flowers or attract pollinators. It may provide minor habitat value for small invertebrates in wetland ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Howell's Quillwort need?: Howell's Quillwort grows best in part shade conditions.
Where is Howell's Quillwort native?: Howell's Quillwort (Isoetes howellii) is native to CA, ID, MT, OR and 2 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Howell's Quillwort HOA-friendly?: Howell's Quillwort 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.

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