Small Butterwort
Pinguicula pumila
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
2"–6" H × 2"–4" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states
Small butterwort is a tiny carnivorous plant that forms delicate rosettes of sticky leaves close to the ground. It produces small purple flowers on thin stems from spring through summer and naturally occurs in wet, sandy soils of the southeastern coastal plain.
In an HOA neighborhood
Small Butterwort 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 in landscapes
- Requires consistently wet conditions that may create maintenance issues
- Carnivorous nature and specialized growing requirements make it unsuitable for typical residential landscaping
Wildlife value
As a carnivorous plant, it primarily feeds on small insects rather than supporting pollinators, though tiny flies and gnats may occasionally visit the small flowers.
Common questions
- How much sun does Small Butterwort need?
- Small Butterwort grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Small Butterwort bloom?
- Small Butterwort blooms in April, May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Small Butterwort native?
- Small Butterwort (Pinguicula pumila) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Small Butterwort HOA-friendly?
- Small Butterwort 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 Small Butterwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz