Northern Water-starwort
Callitriche hermaphroditica
Last reviewed: June 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Northern Water-starwort as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
2"–12" H × 2"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CO, ID, IL, MN and 10 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Northern water-starwort is a small aquatic annual that forms low mats of tiny star-shaped leaves in shallow water or very wet soil. This native plant produces inconspicuous flowers from late spring through summer and requires consistently saturated conditions to thrive.
In an HOA neighborhood
Northern Water-starwort 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 standing water or bog conditions
- Very informal wetland appearance
- Dies back completely as annual
Wildlife value
This aquatic plant provides habitat for small invertebrates and amphibians in water features. While not a major pollinator plant, it supports wetland ecosystem health.
Common questions
- How much sun does Northern Water-starwort need?
- Northern Water-starwort grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Northern Water-starwort bloom?
- Northern Water-starwort blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Northern Water-starwort native?
- Northern Water-starwort (Callitriche hermaphroditica) is native to CO, ID, IL, MN and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Northern Water-starwort toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern Water-starwort as toxic to livestock.
- Is Northern Water-starwort HOA-friendly?
- Northern Water-starwort 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 Northern Water-starwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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