Southern Watergrass
Luziola fluitans
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Southern Watergrass (Luziola fluitans) 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
full sun
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA 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 445 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
Southern watergrass is an aquatic annual grass that thrives in wet conditions like pond edges, marshes, and rain gardens. It grows in clumps and requires consistently moist to saturated soil to survive.
In an HOA neighborhood
Southern Watergrass 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 wetland conditions unsuitable for typical landscaping
- Annual lifespan creates gaps in planting
- Wild, informal appearance doesn't match suburban aesthetics
Wildlife value
Provides habitat and food for waterfowl and marsh birds. Seeds support various wetland wildlife species.
Common questions
- How much sun does Southern Watergrass need?
- Southern Watergrass grows best in full sun conditions.
- Where is Southern Watergrass native?
- Southern Watergrass (Luziola fluitans) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Southern Watergrass HOA-friendly?
- Southern Watergrass 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 Southern Watergrass? 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