Northern Water-starwort
Callitriche hermaphroditica
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
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.
Does Northern Water-starwort fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.