How much sun does Mare's-tail need?

Mare's-tail grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Mare's-tail bloom?

Mare's-tail blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Mare's-tail native?

Mare's-tail (Hippuris vulgaris) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IL and 19 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Mare's-tail toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mare's-tail as toxic to livestock.

Is Mare's-tail HOA-friendly?

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

Mare's-tail

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Hippuris vulgaris

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Mare's-tail as toxic to livestock.

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

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central Basin and Range

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Mare's-tail need?: Mare's-tail grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Mare's-tail bloom?: Mare's-tail blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Mare's-tail native?: Mare's-tail (Hippuris vulgaris) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IL and 19 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Mare's-tail toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Mare's-tail as toxic to livestock.
Is Mare's-tail HOA-friendly?: Mare's-tail 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.

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