Sticky hedgehyssop (Gratiola brevifolia) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Sticky hedgehyssop
Family
Plantaginaceae (plantain family)
Origin
South-eastern United States
Water
freshwater
Care level
intermediate

Care

A creeping perennial of wet, acidic places in the south-eastern United States, such as sandy riverbanks, sandy pinelands and cypress swamps. Its narrow leaves have a few coarse teeth near the tips, and from April to September it bears flowers with white lobes and a yellow, brown-lined tube. Our sources say nothing about it in aquariums. As a plant of wet ground it is best tried emersed in a paludarium or as a stem plant in shallow water, with good light and soft, slightly acidic water. Water figures are not given by the sources. Sources: Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gratiolabrevifolia); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Spreads by rhizomes, which can be divided; stem cuttings are also worth trying.

Compatibility and tank mates

Not covered by our sources; suits paludariums and soft-water planted tanks.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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