Mare's-tail
Hippuris vulgaris
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
4"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, IL and 19 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Mare's-tail is an aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial that forms upright stems with narrow, needle-like leaves arranged in whorls. It thrives in wet conditions like pond edges, marshes, or consistently moist soil areas. This plant produces tiny, inconspicuous flowers along the stems during summer months.
In an HOA neighborhood
Mare's-tail 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 boggy conditions unsuitable for most residential landscapes
- Can appear wild and unmanicured
- May spread aggressively in wet areas
Wildlife value
Mare's-tail provides habitat for aquatic insects and small wildlife in wet areas. Its dense growth offers cover for amphibians and nesting material for waterfowl in suitable wetland settings.
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.
Does Mare's-tail fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.