Waterpod
Hydrolea quadrivalvis
Last reviewed: August 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Waterpod as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Waterpod is a perennial that thrives in consistently moist to wet soils. This compact plant produces bright blue flowers from June through August and maintains a neat, low-growing habit perfect for water gardens or rain gardens.
In an HOA neighborhood
Waterpod 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 consistently wet conditions that may look swampy
- Uncommon plant that HOAs may not recognize as intentional landscaping
- May die back or look stressed in typical landscape watering
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract native bees and butterflies, providing important nectar during the peak growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Waterpod need?
- Waterpod grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Waterpod bloom?
- Waterpod blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Waterpod native?
- Waterpod (Hydrolea quadrivalvis) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Waterpod toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Waterpod as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Waterpod attract?
- Waterpod draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Waterpod HOA-friendly?
- Waterpod 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 Waterpod? 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