How much sun does Mudbabies need?

Mudbabies grows best in part sun conditions.

Where is Mudbabies native?

Mudbabies (Echinodorus tenellus) is native to AL, AR, CT, FL and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Mudbabies HOA-friendly?

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

Mudbabies

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Echinodorus tenellus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Mudbabies (Echinodorus tenellus) 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"–6" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

AL, AR, CT, FL and 15 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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Gulf Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain

Mudbabies is a tiny native grass that forms dense, low mats of bright green foliage. This diminutive plant stays under 6 inches tall and spreads slowly to create a carpet-like groundcover in consistently moist areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mudbabies 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 consistently wet conditions that may create drainage concerns
Very small scale makes it appear weedy in formal landscapes
Name 'mudbabies' could raise HOA concerns

Wildlife value

While this plant provides habitat for small wetland creatures and insects, it has limited direct pollinator value due to inconspicuous flowers.

Common questions

How much sun does Mudbabies need?: Mudbabies grows best in part sun conditions.
Where is Mudbabies native?: Mudbabies (Echinodorus tenellus) is native to AL, AR, CT, FL and 15 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Mudbabies HOA-friendly?: Mudbabies 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 Mudbabies? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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