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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Water Star-grass (Heteranthera dubia) 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"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 33 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 445 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

North American Deserts Northwestern Forested Mountains Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Great Plains Piedmont Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain Sonoran Basin and Range Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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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