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Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

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

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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz