How much sun does Water Star-grass need?

Water Star-grass grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Water Star-grass bloom?

Water Star-grass blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Water Star-grass native?

Water Star-grass (Heteranthera dubia) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 33 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Water Star-grass attract?

Water Star-grass draws bees and beetles.

Is Water Star-grass HOA-friendly?

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

Water Star-grass

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Heteranthera dubia

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

4"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 33 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain Sonoran Basin and Range

Water star-grass is an aquatic perennial that grows submerged or floating in ponds, streams, and water gardens. This native plant produces small white or pale blue flowers from summer through early fall and requires consistently wet conditions to thrive. It forms dense underwater mats and is primarily suited for water features rather than traditional landscaping.

In an HOA neighborhood

Water Star-grass 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 permanent water feature
Aquatic plant unsuitable for typical landscaping
Can spread aggressively in water bodies

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the blooming season. Dense underwater growth provides habitat and food for aquatic wildlife including fish and waterfowl.

Common questions

How much sun does Water Star-grass need?: Water Star-grass grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Water Star-grass bloom?: Water Star-grass blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Water Star-grass native?: Water Star-grass (Heteranthera dubia) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 33 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Water Star-grass attract?: Water Star-grass draws bees and beetles.
Is Water Star-grass HOA-friendly?: Water Star-grass 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 Star-grass? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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