Water Fringe, Yellow floatingheart
Nymphoides peltata

Family: Menyanthaceae

What it is like

Nymphoides peltata is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Water margins of ponds and slow moving water.

Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to Spain, N. and W. Asia to Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves and leaf stems - cooked as a potherb. The interior of the stem is eaten, it is highly esteemed. The leaves are not very palatable. Flower buds - cooked as a potherb. Seed. No further details are given.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 2

Anthelmintic, diuretic, febrifuge, galactogogue, skin. The fresh leaves are used in the treatment of periodic headaches. The plant is diuretic, febrifuge and refrigerant. It is bruised and used in the treatment of burns, fevers, ulcers, snake bites and swellings. The plant contains rutin, but no details are given of the quantity.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating: 0

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

A water plant growing readily in shallow water in a rich loam. It can be very invasive in a rich soil. Prefers a sunny position. Dislikes acid conditions. The flowers have a delicate, almond-like perfume.

Propagating it: Seed - sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse in pots submerged under 25mm of water. Prick out into individual pots as soon as the first true leaf appears and grow them on in water in a greenhouse for at least two years before planting them out in late spring. The seed is collected by wrapping the developing seed head in a muslin bag to avoid the seed being lost. Harvest it 10 days after it sinks below the soil surface or as soon as it reappears. Division in May. Each portion must have at least one eye. Submerge in pots in shallow water until established.

Best place to grow: Pond;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Limnanthemum nymphoides. L. peltatum.