Yellow Floating Heart

Nymphoides peltata

Family: Menyanthaceae

Invasive
Noxious Weed (state list)

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not a food plant; no preparation guidance is given.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

'Not listed' means no pet-plant database assesses this plant; it is not a statement that the plant is safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Nymphoides peltata, not on the common name.. Looks like a small water lily but is not one: NC State says its leaves 'resemble a small water lily'. It is often confused with Hydrocleys nymphoides and Nymphoides cordata (NC State). Do not buy it as a water lily.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 5a-10b (NC State)
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Water needs: high
Mature size: Height 4-6 in, width 1-3 ft (NC State). Leaves are round, about 4 in across, floating.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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