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Twoheaded Water-starwort

Callitriche heterophylla

Last reviewed: June 2026

Twoheaded Water-starwort (Callitriche heterophylla)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

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 RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California/Northern Baja CoastCentral Basin and RangeCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth 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.

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.

Does Twoheaded Water-starwort fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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