Water Poppy

Common Name: Water Poppy

Scientific Name: Hydrocleys nymphoides

Zone: 9–11 (tender floating perennial, grown as annual in cooler zones)

Flower: Bright yellow, three-petaled flowers with darker centers

Flower Timing: Late spring to early fall

Mature Height (ft): Floats on water surface, leaves about 4–8 inches wide

Mature Spread (ft): Spreads rapidly, forming dense mats up to 3–5 ft across

Exposure: Full sun to part shade

Plant Type: Free-floating aquatic perennial

Preferred Environment: Still or slow-moving freshwater ponds, water gardens, and containers

Special Features: Attractive, bright yellow blooms; rounded floating leaves; excellent for shading water and reducing algae growth; fast-spreading and can be invasive in some areas