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Waterpod

Hydrolea quadrivalvis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Waterpod (Hydrolea quadrivalvis)
Photo: ncwetlands.org / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Toxicity unknown

Waterpod (Hydrolea quadrivalvis) 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.

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

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.

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

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

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz