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.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
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
12 inches-3 feet; 3 feet-6 feet
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Dense; Horizontal; Prostrate; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Ovate
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Thick, shiny, dark green, heart-shaped leaves; 2-4 in. wide leaves on long, trailing stems
Flower color
Brown/Copper; Gold/Yellow
Flower value
Long Bloom Season; Showy
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Cup; Radial
Flower size
1-3 inches
Flower detail
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.
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit type
Follicle
Fruit detail
The fruits are follicles containing several seeds.
Stem color
Green
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Central and South America
Wildlife value
Many species of bees frequent this plant.
Attracts
Bees
Play value
Attractive Flowers; Attracts Pollinators; Easy to Grow