How much sun does Twoheaded Water-starwort need?

Twoheaded Water-starwort grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Twoheaded Water-starwort bloom?

Twoheaded Water-starwort blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Twoheaded Water-starwort native?

Twoheaded Water-starwort (Callitriche heterophylla) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 40 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

Is Twoheaded Water-starwort toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Twoheaded Water-starwort as toxic to livestock.

Is Twoheaded Water-starwort HOA-friendly?

Twoheaded Water-starwort takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Twoheaded Water-starwort

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Callitriche heterophylla

Last reviewed: June 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Twoheaded Water-starwort as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

2"–12" H × 2"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 40 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Twoheaded water-starwort is a small aquatic annual that forms low mats in wet areas, ponds, or consistently moist soil. This delicate plant produces tiny inconspicuous flowers from May through August and requires constant moisture to thrive.

In an HOA neighborhood

Twoheaded Water-starwort 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 standing water or bog conditions
Very small size makes it nearly invisible in landscaping
Annual lifespan means it disappears seasonally

Wildlife value

While this plant may provide some habitat for aquatic insects and small wildlife in water features, it has limited documented pollinator value.

Common questions

How much sun does Twoheaded Water-starwort need?: Twoheaded Water-starwort grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Twoheaded Water-starwort bloom?: Twoheaded Water-starwort blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Twoheaded Water-starwort native?: Twoheaded Water-starwort (Callitriche heterophylla) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 40 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Twoheaded Water-starwort toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Twoheaded Water-starwort as toxic to livestock.
Is Twoheaded Water-starwort HOA-friendly?: Twoheaded Water-starwort 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 Twoheaded Water-starwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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