Swamp Hornpod
Mitreola sessilifolia
Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown
Swamp Hornpod (Mitreola sessilifolia) 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 shade
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
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
Swamp hornpod is a native perennial forb that thrives in moist, partially shaded areas. It produces small white flowers from May through August and typically reaches 1-3 feet in height. This plant is well-suited for naturalized areas and rain gardens where consistent moisture is available.
In an HOA neighborhood
Swamp Hornpod takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Common name includes 'swamp' which sounds unappealing
- Requires consistently high moisture needs
- May appear wild or weedy to conventional landscaping standards
Wildlife value
The extended blooming period from late spring through summer provides nectar for bees and beetles. Its native status makes it valuable for supporting local pollinator populations.
Common questions
- How much sun does Swamp Hornpod need?
- Swamp Hornpod grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Swamp Hornpod bloom?
- Swamp Hornpod blooms in May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Swamp Hornpod native?
- Swamp Hornpod (Mitreola sessilifolia) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 7 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Swamp Hornpod attract?
- Swamp Hornpod draws bees and beetles.
- Is Swamp Hornpod HOA-friendly?
- Swamp Hornpod 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Swamp Hornpod? 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