Heteranthera dubia

Water star-grass, Water Star-Grass

Family: Pontederiaceae · Type: perennial · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2

Water star-grass is a native perennial found in northern California Coast, Sacramento Valley, and North Coast Ranges in still or moving water habitats at elevations below 1,500 meters. Flowering from July to August, this aquatic plant produces delicate yellow flowers on stems that emerge above the water surface. Growing as a submersed perennial herb that often roots at its nodes, it develops slender stems that can extend beyond 15 centimeters in length. Its leaves are elongated and emerge predominantly underwater, creating a graceful presence in aquatic environments. When in bloom, the plant displays a distinctive perianth tube up to 1.5 centimeters long with three symmetrical stamens that add to its subtle beauty.

Habitat: Uncommon. Still or moving water

Bloom period: Jul-Aug

Elevation: < 1500 m

Bioregions: NCo, ScV, MP

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.