How much sun does Marsh Mermaidweed need?

Marsh Mermaidweed grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Marsh Mermaidweed bloom?

Marsh Mermaidweed blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Marsh Mermaidweed native?

Marsh Mermaidweed (Proserpinaca palustris) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Marsh Mermaidweed HOA-friendly?

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

Marsh Mermaidweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Proserpinaca palustris

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Marsh mermaidweed is a low-growing aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial native to wetlands and pond edges. It produces small inconspicuous flowers in summer and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. This plant is best suited for rain gardens, pond margins, or boggy areas where few other natives will thrive.

In an HOA neighborhood

Marsh Mermaidweed 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 very wet conditions that may appear swampy
Low growing habit can look untidy or weedy
Aquatic nature makes it unsuitable for typical landscaping

Wildlife value

While not a major pollinator magnet, this plant provides habitat for wetland insects and amphibians. Its seeds and foliage support waterfowl and other wildlife in aquatic ecosystems.

Common questions

How much sun does Marsh Mermaidweed need?: Marsh Mermaidweed grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Marsh Mermaidweed bloom?: Marsh Mermaidweed blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Marsh Mermaidweed native?: Marsh Mermaidweed (Proserpinaca palustris) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Marsh Mermaidweed HOA-friendly?: Marsh Mermaidweed 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 Marsh Mermaidweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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