Little Floating Bladderwort
Utricularia radiata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
0"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states
Little floating bladderwort is an aquatic carnivorous plant that floats freely in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waters. It produces small yellow snapdragon-like flowers on slender stems that rise above the water surface from May through August. The submerged portions have tiny bladder traps that capture microscopic aquatic prey.
In an HOA neighborhood
Little Floating Bladderwort takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires permanent water feature
- May be viewed as pond weeds
- Difficult to control spread in water
Wildlife value
This plant provides habitat for aquatic invertebrates and small fish while helping maintain water quality through nutrient uptake. The flowers may attract some flying insects, though pollinator data is limited for this species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Little Floating Bladderwort need?
- Little Floating Bladderwort grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Little Floating Bladderwort bloom?
- Little Floating Bladderwort blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Little Floating Bladderwort native?
- Little Floating Bladderwort (Utricularia radiata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Little Floating Bladderwort HOA-friendly?
- Little Floating 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 Little Floating Bladderwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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