Water-blinks
Montia fontana
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
2"–8" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, ID, MA, ME and 10 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Water-blinks is a tiny annual groundcover that forms low mats of small, succulent-like leaves. It produces clusters of minute white flowers from April through June and thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions.
In an HOA neighborhood
Water-blinks 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.
- Extremely small size makes it appear sparse or patchy
- Annual lifecycle creates gaps when plants die back
- Requires consistently wet soil conditions unusual for typical landscaping
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract bees and flies during spring and early summer blooming period.
Common questions
- How much sun does Water-blinks need?
- Water-blinks grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Water-blinks bloom?
- Water-blinks blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Water-blinks native?
- Water-blinks (Montia fontana) is native to CA, ID, MA, ME and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Water-blinks attract?
- Water-blinks draws bees and flies.
- Is Water-blinks HOA-friendly?
- Water-blinks 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 Water-blinks? 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