Common Name: crested floatingheart
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Menyanthaceae
Native Range: Temperate and tropical Asia
Zone: 7 to 10
Height: 0.25 to 0.50 feet
Spread: 1.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: May to September
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Wet
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Annual, Water Plant, Naturalize, Rain Garden
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Colorful
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 7-10. In water gardens, grow in containers submerged in up to 1-2’ of water. Also may be grown in shallow water on the margins of a pond. Best in organically rich soils in full sun to part shade.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Nymphoides cristata, commonly called water snowflake, is a rhizomatous floating leaf aquatic perennial that looks like a miniature version of a water lily (Nymphea). Long-stalked, ovate green leaves (to only 3” across) edged with red float on the water surface. Star-shaped fragrant white flowers (3/4” diameter) in clusters (umbels) bloom freely from spring to fall.
Genus name of Nymphoides means resembling Nymphaea (water lily), but these two genuses are in different families.
Specific epithet means with tassel-like tips or crested.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Floating water lily-like plant which fits well into small pools and small water gardens. Ponds.