Small Butterwort
Pinguicula pumila
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Small Butterwort (Pinguicula pumila) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
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
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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