Nymphoides peltata
water fringe
Overview
Nymphoides peltata is a floating-leaved aquatic perennial that roots in the bottom mud of still and slow fresh water 1.5-5 feet (0.5-1.5 m) deep. Its rounded to heart-shaped leaves 1.5-4 inches (4-10 cm) wide float on the surface on long flexible stalks, green above and often purple-mottled beneath, resembling small water-lily pads. From June into September it raises bright yellow flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across just above the water, each with five petals edged in a distinct fringe of slender hairs. The plant spreads rapidly by branching rhizomes, by stolons, and by detached leaf-and-stem fragments that root readily, forming dense floating mats. This vigorous spread has made it a noxious or prohibited invasive aquatic across many parts of North America, where mats shade out native plants and reduce open water. Flowers open in the morning and last about a day, with the colony producing a long succession through summer. It dies back to rhizomes in winter and regrows as the water warms in spring.
Native Range
Nymphoides peltata is native to still and slow fresh waters across Europe and Asia, from western Europe east to Japan. It grows in ponds, lakes, canals, and the backwaters of slow rivers over mud.Suggested Uses
Grown in ornamental ponds and large water features for floating foliage and yellow summer flowers, planted in submerged baskets to limit spread. Suits still, closed water where it cannot escape to natural waterways. Containment is essential given its invasive status in many regions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height2" - 4"
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from June into September, with bright yellow fringed flowers opening above the floating leaves. Each flower opens in the morning and closes by day''s end, replaced by new buds over many weeks. A single colony can stay in bloom across the whole summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow in full sun in still or slow-moving fresh water 1.5-5 feet (0.5-1.5 m) deep over a mud or loam bottom. Confine the rhizomes to a planting basket and a closed water body, since stem and rhizome fragments root quickly and the plant is a regulated invasive across much of North America. Thin the floating mats regularly through summer to hold open water and limit shading of submerged plants. Remove all fragments when thinning, as pieces left in the water start new colonies. The plant depends on warm water and full light to flower well. It dies back to rhizomes in winter and is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 11.Pruning
Rake or net out excess floating growth through the season to control the mat and keep open water. Collect and dispose of every fragment well clear of natural water bodies, as stray pieces re-root. Cut back dying foliage in autumn.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons