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Hydrocleys nymphoides is often confused with:
Nymphoides peltata Nymphoides pelatum
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Dianthera americana Dianthera americana
Eryngium aquaticum Eryngium aquaticum
Saururus cernuus Saururus cernuus

Hydrocleys nymphoides

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
HY-droh-klees nym-FOY-deez
Description

Water Poppy is an emergent aquatic perennial, which is a plant that is rooted in the lake or pond bottom, but who's leaves and stems extend out of the water.  It will survive in water up to 12-15 in. deep, but prefers shallow conditions (6 in.) where it will float on the surface.  They can reach up to 1' in height, however, their size is more of a horizontal spread.  Each plant can spread can cover an area of 5' in diameter.  As it spread, it will produce plantlets that form their own roots.   Propagation can be done by dividing these plantlets.

Its flowers are quite showy and bloom for an extended period of time.  However, each bloom will only last one day.  Blooming will take place in water that has reached 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  

Spreading from its runners on the water surface, it will anchor its roots and produce new plants at their leaves.  Its quick spread can provide surface cover to a water garden or pond location. The spread of this plant can provide living organisms with shelter, shade and protection from their predators.  

In locations that are not tropical, it can be overwintered indoors in a shallow tub but keep moist and provide good light.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious issues.  Its ability to rapidly spread has caused this plant to be considered invasive in a few areas of Florida.  Its web-like stem structure can choke streams which in turn cause flooding.  Small animals can get tangled in the root system and fish and other aquatic organisms can experience a reduced amount of available oxygen.  

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#showy flowers#invasive#water garden#rain garden#wetlands#stream banks#herbaceous#herbaceous perennial#pond garden#naturalizes#wet soils tolerant#wetland margins#bee friendly#dry soils intolerant#short lived blooms#poor drainage tolerant#showy#perennial#aquatic#boggy sites
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#showy flowers#invasive#water garden#rain garden#wetlands#stream banks#herbaceous#herbaceous perennial#pond garden#naturalizes#wet soils tolerant#wetland margins#bee friendly#dry soils intolerant#short lived blooms#poor drainage tolerant#showy#perennial#aquatic#boggy sites
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hydrocleys
    Species:
    nymphoides
    Family:
    Alismataceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Used in ponds and lakes.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Central and South America
    Wildlife Value:
    Many species of bees frequent this plant.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Water Plant
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Horizontal
    Prostrate
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Follicle
    Fruit Description:
    The fruits are follicles containing several seeds.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Cup
    Radial
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    The light yellow flowers with a red and brown center and black or brown stamens are borne in abundance, and sit above the water, however only last one day.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Thick, shiny, dark green, heart-shaped leaves; 2-4 in. wide leaves on long, trailing stems
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Naturalized Area
    Pond
    Landscape Theme:
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Wet Soil