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Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Last reviewed: August 2026

Humped Bladderwort (Utricularia gibba)
Photo: (c) Michelle W. (鍾偉瑋), some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michelle W. (鍾偉瑋)

Toxicity unknown

Humped Bladderwort (Utricularia gibba) 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"–8" H × 2"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 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.

Find rebates in your area

Humped bladderwort is a tiny aquatic carnivorous plant that floats in shallow water or very wet soil. It produces small yellow snapdragon-like flowers on thin stems above the water surface during summer months.

In an HOA neighborhood

Humped 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 standing water or bog conditions
  • Extremely small and unconventional appearance
  • May be perceived as pond weeds rather than intentional landscaping

Wildlife value

This specialized aquatic plant provides habitat for small aquatic invertebrates and may attract some small flies and gnats to its flowers.

Common questions

How much sun does Humped Bladderwort need?
Humped Bladderwort grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Humped Bladderwort bloom?
Humped Bladderwort blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Humped Bladderwort native?
Humped Bladderwort (Utricularia gibba) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 32 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Humped Bladderwort HOA-friendly?
Humped 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 Humped Bladderwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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