Banana Waterlily
Nymphaea mexicana
Last reviewed: June 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Banana Waterlily as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
3"–12" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Banana Waterlily is an aquatic perennial native to Texas that produces bright yellow flowers from spring through fall. This floating plant requires permanent water features like ponds or water gardens and spreads by underwater rhizomes.
In an HOA neighborhood
Banana Waterlily is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while the leaves provide shelter for aquatic insects and small fish in pond environments.
Common questions
- How much sun does Banana Waterlily need?
- Banana Waterlily grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Banana Waterlily bloom?
- Banana Waterlily blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Banana Waterlily native?
- Banana Waterlily (Nymphaea mexicana) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Banana Waterlily toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Banana Waterlily as toxic to livestock.
- Is Banana Waterlily HOA-friendly?
- Banana Waterlily is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Banana Waterlily fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.