How much sun does Mudwort need?

Mudwort grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Mudwort bloom?

Mudwort blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Mudwort native?

Mudwort (Limosella aquatica) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Mudwort HOA-friendly?

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

Mudwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Limosella aquatica

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Mudwort (Limosella aquatica) 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

full sun

Water

high

Size

1"–4" H × 1"–3" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 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 452 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

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Mudwort is a tiny annual plant that forms small patches in wet, muddy areas. This diminutive native grows only 1-4 inches tall and produces small white flowers from June through September.

In an HOA neighborhood

Mudwort 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.

Extremely small size makes it nearly invisible
Requires constantly wet conditions that could cause drainage concerns
Annual nature means inconsistent presence year to year

Wildlife value

While specific pollinator data is limited, the small flowers likely attract tiny beneficial insects during the summer blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Mudwort need?: Mudwort grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Mudwort bloom?: Mudwort blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Mudwort native?: Mudwort (Limosella aquatica) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Mudwort HOA-friendly?: Mudwort 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.

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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