How much sun does Water Minerslettuce need?

Water Minerslettuce grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Water Minerslettuce bloom?

Water Minerslettuce blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Water Minerslettuce native?

Water Minerslettuce (Montia chamissoi) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Water Minerslettuce attract?

Water Minerslettuce draws bees and flies.

Is Water Minerslettuce HOA-friendly?

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

Water Minerslettuce

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Montia chamissoi

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Water Minerslettuce (Montia chamissoi) 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

part shade

Water

high

Size

2"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 11 more states

Pollinators

bees, flies

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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies

Water minerslettuce is a low-growing native perennial that thrives in consistently moist, shaded areas. This small plant produces delicate white to pink flowers from March through June and forms spreading mats in suitable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Water Minerslettuce takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Very low profile may appear sparse or weedy
Requires consistently wet conditions that suggest poor drainage
Spreading mat growth habit lacks structured appearance

Wildlife value

The flowers attract small pollinators including bees and flies during its extended spring to early summer bloom period.

Common questions

How much sun does Water Minerslettuce need?: Water Minerslettuce grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Water Minerslettuce bloom?: Water Minerslettuce blooms in March, April, May, and June.
Where is Water Minerslettuce native?: Water Minerslettuce (Montia chamissoi) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Water Minerslettuce attract?: Water Minerslettuce draws bees and flies.
Is Water Minerslettuce HOA-friendly?: Water Minerslettuce 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.

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.

See all plant problem guides

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