How much sun does Water Lobelia need?

Water Lobelia grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Water Lobelia bloom?

Water Lobelia blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Water Lobelia native?

Water Lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna) is native to CT, MA, MD, ME and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Water Lobelia HOA-friendly?

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

Water Lobelia

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Lobelia dortmanna

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Water Lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna) 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

full sun

Water

high

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

CT, MA, MD, ME and 10 more states

Pollinators

bees

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 area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northern Lakes and Forests Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Acadian Plains and Hills Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Water lobelia is a small aquatic perennial that grows in shallow water or boggy conditions. This compact native produces delicate spikes of small white to pale blue flowers from summer through early fall. It requires consistently wet soil or standing water to thrive.

In an HOA neighborhood

Water Lobelia 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 and sparse appearance
Specialized aquatic plant unsuitable for typical landscaping

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and other small pollinators during its extended summer blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Water Lobelia need?: Water Lobelia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Water Lobelia bloom?: Water Lobelia blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Water Lobelia native?: Water Lobelia (Lobelia dortmanna) is native to CT, MA, MD, ME and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Water Lobelia attract?: Water Lobelia draws bees.
Is Water Lobelia HOA-friendly?: Water Lobelia 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Water Lobelia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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