Stem: The rope-like stem grows partly underground or along the sediment surface (stolons).

Flower: Two to five flowers arise from erect flower stalks. The bright yellow flowers are 3-4 cm in diameter. Each flower has five petals that are arranged like the spokes of a wheel. Each petal has a distinctive fringe along the edges.

Fruit: The fruit is a long beaked capsule (to 2.5 cm) that splits on one side. One fruit is produced from each flower. Each fruit contains few to many smooth, shiny seeds with wing-like margins.

Root: Short, thick clusters of roots originate from modified stems (rhizomes) growing partly or completely below the sediment.

Propagation: Yellow floating heart spreads by water dispersed seeds and stolons. Broken-off leaves with part of a stem will also form new plants.

Importance of plant: Yellow floating-heart is a popular water garden plant, but a potential weed when introduced to the wild.

Distribution: Native to Eurasia, the Mediterranean area, and introduced to North America.

Habitat: Slow-moving rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and ponds.

May be confused with: Spatterdocks (Nuphar), which have much larger leaves, and cup-like flowers without fringed petals. Water shield (Brasenia schreberi) which has small oval floating leaves often with a jelly-like covering on the undersides, and small purple flowers. Also other species of Nymphoides  (N. aquatica and N. cordatum), which are be sold as ornamental plants.

Photographs: Nymphoides peltata closeup of flower, mat in Lake Spokane

Line Drawings: Nymphoides peltata