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Crested Floatingheart

Nymphoides cristata

Last reviewed: October 2026

Crested Floatingheart (Nymphoides cristata)
Photo: no rights reserved

Toxicity unknown

Crested Floatingheart (Nymphoides cristata) 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.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

6"–12" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native alternatives to Crested Floatingheart

Crested Floatingheart is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

Wondering what could grow where Crested Floatingheart is now? Upload a photo of the spot and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it replanted with natives for your region.

Crested floatingheart is an aquatic perennial with small heart-shaped leaves that float on water surfaces. It produces delicate white flowers with fringed petals from summer through early fall. This plant requires standing water or bog conditions to thrive.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Crested Floatingheart takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires pond or water feature
  • Very specialized growing conditions
  • May appear unkempt without proper aquatic setting

Wildlife value

Limited pollinator information is available, though the flowers likely attract small aquatic insects and flies. The floating leaves may provide shelter for small aquatic creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Crested Floatingheart need?
Crested Floatingheart grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Crested Floatingheart bloom?
Crested Floatingheart blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Is Crested Floatingheart HOA-friendly?
Crested Floatingheart takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Crested Floatingheart? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.