Shellflower
Pistia stratiotes
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
1"–12" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CO, CT and 7 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Shellflower is a floating aquatic plant with distinctive rosettes of pale green, ribbed leaves that resemble small lettuce heads. It spreads rapidly across water surfaces and produces small white flowers during summer months. This plant requires standing water or very wet conditions to survive.
In an HOA neighborhood
Shellflower 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.
- Requires specialized aquatic growing conditions
- Non-native tropical species inappropriate for typical landscaping
Wildlife value
This aquatic plant provides habitat for fish and aquatic invertebrates while helping to filter water. It offers limited value to typical pollinators since it grows in water environments.
Common questions
- How much sun does Shellflower need?
- Shellflower grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Shellflower bloom?
- Shellflower blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Shellflower native?
- Shellflower (Pistia stratiotes) is native to AL, AR, CO, CT and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Shellflower HOA-friendly?
- Shellflower 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 Shellflower? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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