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Marsh Mermaidweed

Proserpinaca palustris

Last reviewed: August 2026

Marsh Mermaidweed (Proserpinaca palustris)
Photo: (c) Jay Horn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jay Horn

Toxicity unknown

Marsh Mermaidweed (Proserpinaca palustris) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

East Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsPiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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.

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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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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