Isotoma Fluviatilis Qt

Latin Name: Isotoma fluviatilis (also classified as Pratia pedunculata or Lobelia pedunculata)

Common Name: Blue Star Creeper

Zones: 5–9 (sometimes listed 6–9)

Height & Spread: 1–3 inches tall, spreading 12–18 inches wide (can spread indefinitely as a mat)

Descriptive Features: A tough, extremely low-growing groundcover prized for forming a dense, moss-like mat that tolerates light foot traffic, making it a popular alternative to turfgrass for pathways and between pavers. Tiny, rounded, bright green leaves creep tightly along the ground on thread-like stems that root as they spread, quickly knitting together into a lush, uniform carpet. From late spring through summer, the mat becomes studded with an abundance of small, star-shaped, pale blue to lavender-blue flowers that hover just above the foliage, creating a subtle, starry meadow effect underfoot and drawing bees and other small pollinators. Thrives in consistently moist, well-drained soil and handles both full sun and part shade, though flowering is most prolific with more sun. Can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, so it's best used where its vigor is welcome, such as filling joints between stepping stones, softening walkway edges, or as a small-scale lawn substitute. Deer-resistant and low-maintenance, needing only occasional trimming to keep it within bounds. An excellent choice for rock gardens, container edges, green roofs, or as living mulch around taller perennials in full sun to part shade.