Vernal Water-starwort
Callitriche palustris
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Vernal Water-starwort (Callitriche palustris) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Vernal Water-starwort as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
1"–6" H × 2"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Vernal water-starwort is a tiny aquatic annual that forms small rosettes of narrow leaves in shallow water or consistently wet soil. This diminutive plant produces inconspicuous flowers from April through June and typically grows only 1-6 inches tall with a modest spread.
In an HOA neighborhood
Vernal 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 specialized wet conditions that are impractical for typical landscaping
- Very small size makes it essentially invisible in standard plantings
- Annual lifespan means inconsistent presence year to year
Wildlife value
While specific pollinator information is limited, this aquatic plant likely provides habitat for small aquatic insects and amphibians in water garden settings.
Common questions
- How much sun does Vernal Water-starwort need?
- Vernal Water-starwort grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Vernal Water-starwort bloom?
- Vernal Water-starwort blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Vernal Water-starwort native?
- Vernal Water-starwort (Callitriche palustris) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 29 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Vernal Water-starwort toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Vernal Water-starwort as toxic to livestock.
- Is Vernal Water-starwort HOA-friendly?
- Vernal 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Vernal Water-starwort? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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