Mud Plantain
Heteranthera reniformis
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 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 Mud Plantain? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz