Banana Waterlily

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nymphaea mexicana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Nymphaea mexicana, or banana waterlily, is a floating-leaved aquatic forb that blooms yellow from March through November in ponds, ditches, and slow-moving waters across the southeastern and south-central United States.

Toxicity unknown

Banana Waterlily (Nymphaea mexicana) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Gulf Coastal Plain Southern Coastal Plain

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.

Growing Banana Waterlily

Grow Banana Waterlily in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 3 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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

What kind of light does banana waterlily need?: It grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial sun or light shade, especially in warmer climates where some afternoon shade helps reduce water temperature stress.
How much water does this plant require?: Banana waterlily is a true aquatic plant that grows rooted in mud with its leaves floating on the surface, so it needs to be kept in standing water at all times rather than moist soil.
When does Nymphaea mexicana bloom?: It flowers over a long season, typically from March through November, with bright yellow blossoms opening in the morning and closing by afternoon.
Where does banana waterlily grow well?: It thrives in still or slow-moving freshwater such as ponds, lakes, ditches, and marsh edges, particularly in warm, humid regions with mild winters.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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Common questions

What kind of light does banana waterlily need?

It grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial sun or light shade, especially in warmer climates where some afternoon shade helps reduce water temperature stress.

How much water does this plant require?

Banana waterlily is a true aquatic plant that grows rooted in mud with its leaves floating on the surface, so it needs to be kept in standing water at all times rather than moist soil.

When does Nymphaea mexicana bloom?

It flowers over a long season, typically from March through November, with bright yellow blossoms opening in the morning and closing by afternoon.

Where does banana waterlily grow well?

It thrives in still or slow-moving freshwater such as ponds, lakes, ditches, and marsh edges, particularly in warm, humid regions with mild winters.

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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Common plant problems, and what to check first

See all plant problem guides