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Nymphoides cristata

Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Limnanthemum cristatum
  • Menyanthes cristata
  • Nymphoides hydrophylla
Phonetic Spelling
nim-FOY-deez kris-TAY-tah
Description

Crested floating heart is an invasive aquatic plant in the Menyanthaceae family native to Southeastern Asia. It was first introduced to FL and used in pond gardens but escaped into the wild and quickly spread through the drainage canals in 1996. By 2001 it had spread throughout FL and by 2006 was found in SC. It is found growing in fresh water ditches, canals, ponds, and lakes. It obstructs water flow, alters water chemistry, displaces native plants and has the potential to disrupt navigation and recreational activities.

It is illegal to import, cultivate or sell/trade this plant in North Carolina. Any infestations should be reported to the NCDA Plant Protection Section at 1-800-206-9333. The plant is difficult to control and early detection is necessary to prevent further spread into our natural areas. It can reproduce by stem and leaf fragments that are capable of rooting. It also has the ability to hybridize with native Nymphoides complicating control further.

The heart-shaped leaves of this plant are up to 8 x 6 inches and the showy white flowers are up to 1 inch across. The plant blooms all summer and produces many seeds.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. invasive, do not plant. See native alternatives to the left. Listed as invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council. This species is on the North Carolina noxious weed list.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#white flowers#high maintenance#aggressive#summer flowers#Noxious Weed (state list)#naturalizes#weed#waterweed#aquatic weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#white flowers#high maintenance#aggressive#summer flowers#Noxious Weed (state list)#naturalizes#weed#waterweed#aquatic weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Nymphoides
    Species:
    cristata
    Family:
    Menyanthaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Water Plant
    Weed
    Habit/Form:
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Occasionally Wet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Oblong capsule with up to 20 seeds
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Saucer
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    The 5-petaled flowers are .5-1 inch across and white with a yellow throat. On each petal, there is a distinct erect fold, or “crest,” along the midvein. They occur in umbels at the distal stem nodes
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Green heart-shaped leaves are up to 8 inches long, and 6 inches wide with a short petiole at the end of each stem. Margins are entire and may be reddish. Upper surface is smooth and green and the underside is reddish.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Long green stems up to 10 feet
  • Landscape:
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Wet Soil
    Problems:
    Weedy