Gratiola Viscidula

Plant Profile

• Scientific Name: Gratiola viscidula
• Common Name: Sticky Hedgehyssop
• Origin: Native to North America, often found in wetlands, marshes, and along streams
• Height: 6–12 inches (15–30 cm)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Care: Moderate — prefers moist to wet soils or shallow water; tolerates periodic flooding
• Light: Full sun to partial shade — grows well with plenty of natural light but can tolerate some shade
• CO₂: Not typically required (mostly terrestrial or semi-aquatic plants)
• Propagation: Seed or division — seeds sown in moist soil or by dividing mature plants
• Growth Rate: Moderate

Additional Notes:

• A semi-aquatic or marginal plant often used in pond edges, paludariums, or wetland aquascapes.
• Has small, tubular flowers (usually pink to purple) and sticky leaves which help trap small insects.
• Prefers consistently moist substrate but can survive short dry spells.
• Good choice for creating naturalistic, wetland-style aquascapes or terrariums with water features.
• Not commonly used as a fully submerged aquatic plant.