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Mud Plantain

Heteranthera reniformis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Mud Plantain (Heteranthera reniformis)
Photo: Reed, Chester A. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Mud Plantain (Heteranthera reniformis) 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

2"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, CT, DE, FL and 18 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Mud plantain is a low-growing native aquatic perennial that forms small clumps in wet areas. It produces small blue to white flowers from summer through early fall and thrives in consistently moist to waterlogged soils.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mud Plantain 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 waterlogged conditions inappropriate for typical landscaping
  • Very low growth habit may appear weedy
  • Aquatic nature limits placement options

Wildlife value

This plant provides habitat for aquatic insects and small wildlife in water garden settings. The flowers may attract some pollinators, though specific pollinator relationships are not well documented.

Common questions

How much sun does Mud Plantain need?
Mud Plantain grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Mud Plantain bloom?
Mud Plantain blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Mud Plantain native?
Mud Plantain (Heteranthera reniformis) is native to AL, CT, DE, FL and 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Mud Plantain HOA-friendly?
Mud Plantain 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Mud Plantain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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