Weak-stemmed Mudwort Plant Care

Limosella acaulis Sessé & Moc.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Limosella acaulis is a species of flowering plant in the figwort family known by the common name Owyhee mudwort. It is native to western North America from the Pacific Northwest to northern Mexico, where it grows in many types of muddy habitat next to water, such as pond edges.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials
Water

Every 3–5 days

Light

Partial to full shade

Temp

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Weak-stemmed Mudwort?

Plant Weak-stemmed Mudwort in partial to full shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 3–5 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Weak-stemmed Mudwort Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Weak-stemmed Mudwort?

Weak-stemmed Mudwort (Limosella acaulis) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Limosella genus. Weak-stemmed Mudwort is native to western North America from the Pacific Northwest to northern Mexico. Weak-stemmed Mudwort is also known as Mudwort.

Weak-stemmed Mudwort displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Weak-stemmed Mudwort produces small, inconspicuous flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Weak-stemmed Mudwort?

Water a young or newly planted Weak-stemmed Mudwort every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 3–5 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Weak-stemmed Mudwort Need?

Weak-stemmed Mudwort thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 50–500 lux. Avoid placing Weak-stemmed Mudwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Partial to full shade

50–500 lux

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Weak-stemmed Mudwort Prefer?

Limosella acaulis tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Weak-stemmed Mudwort prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–75°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Weak-stemmed Mudwort?

Moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Weak-stemmed Mudwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Weak-stemmed Mudwort?

Feed Weak-stemmed Mudwort every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Weak-stemmed Mudwort?

Choose a spot with partial to full shade and moist, well-draining soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Weak-stemmed Mudwort is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Weak-stemmed Mudwort?

Weak-stemmed Mudwort can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Weak-stemmed Mudwort?

Prune Weak-stemmed Mudwort while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Weak-stemmed Mudwort in Winter?

Weak-stemmed Mudwort is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Weak-stemmed Mudwort?

Weak-stemmed Mudwort can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to waterwort plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Weak-stemmed Mudwort Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Weak-stemmed Mudwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Weak-stemmed Mudwort?

Weak-stemmed Mudwort is susceptible to aphids, snails, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Weak-stemmed Mudwort Need?

Weak-stemmed Mudwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Weak-stemmed Mudwort is native to western North America from the Pacific Northwest to northern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Weak-stemmed Mudwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Weak-stemmed Mudwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Limosella genus — compare its care with other Limosella species on PlantoScan.

Limosella is part of the Plantaginaceae plant family — browse all Plantaginaceae genera and species.

Weak-stemmed Mudwort copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Limosella acaulis Sessé & Moc., family Plantaginaceae (first published in Fl. Mexic. , ed. 2: 143 (1894)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Weak-stemmed Mudwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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