How much sun does Lesser Bladderwort need?

Lesser Bladderwort grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Lesser Bladderwort bloom?

Lesser Bladderwort blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Lesser Bladderwort native?

Lesser Bladderwort (Utricularia minor) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 28 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Lesser Bladderwort toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Lesser Bladderwort as toxic to livestock.

Is Lesser Bladderwort HOA-friendly?

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

Lesser Bladderwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Utricularia minor

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Lesser Bladderwort as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

2"–6" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 28 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range

Lesser bladderwort is an unusual aquatic plant that floats in shallow water or grows in very wet soil. This tiny carnivorous plant produces small yellow flowers on short stems above the water surface during summer months.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lesser 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 unconventional appearance
May be perceived as pond weeds

Wildlife value

The small yellow flowers attract tiny flying insects, though pollinator information is limited for this specialized aquatic species.

Common questions

How much sun does Lesser Bladderwort need?: Lesser Bladderwort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Lesser Bladderwort bloom?: Lesser Bladderwort blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Lesser Bladderwort native?: Lesser Bladderwort (Utricularia minor) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 28 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Lesser Bladderwort toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Lesser Bladderwort as toxic to livestock.
Is Lesser Bladderwort HOA-friendly?: Lesser 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 Lesser Bladderwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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