Pipewort
Eriocaulon aquaticum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
4"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, CT, DE, IN and 16 more states
Pipewort is a small aquatic native plant that forms compact rosettes of narrow, grass-like leaves. It produces distinctive white, button-like flower heads on slender stems during summer and fall. This plant thrives in consistently wet soils and bog-like conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Pipewort 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 boggy conditions unsuitable for typical landscaping
- Very small size may appear weedy or unkempt
- Specialized aquatic plant incompatible with standard yard maintenance
Wildlife value
While specific pollinator data is limited, the small white flowers likely attract various small insects and flies during the blooming period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Pipewort need?
- Pipewort grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Pipewort bloom?
- Pipewort blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Pipewort native?
- Pipewort (Eriocaulon aquaticum) is native to AL, CT, DE, IN and 16 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Pipewort HOA-friendly?
- Pipewort 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 Pipewort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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