Where does Fragrant Water-lily naturally grow?

Nymphaea odorata is native to most of the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas, Kansas, and Minnesota. It grows naturally in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waterways.

When does Fragrant Water-lily bloom?

Fragrant Water-lily blooms from June through September, producing white flowers that open in the morning and close in the afternoon. The flowers have a sweet fragrance that is most noticeable when they first open.

What pollinates Fragrant Water-lily?

Fragrant Water-lily is pollinated primarily by bees and beetles. The flowers attract these insects with their sweet fragrance and provide both nectar and pollen as rewards.

What growing conditions does Fragrant Water-lily need?

This aquatic plant requires consistently high water levels and tolerates partial sun to partial shade conditions. It grows best in still or slow-moving freshwater with muddy bottoms where its roots can anchor.

Is Fragrant Water-lily HOA-friendly?

Fragrant Water-lily takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Fragrant Water-lily

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nymphaea odorata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Fragrant Water-lily is a native aquatic perennial found in ponds and lakes across much of eastern and central North America. It produces fragrant white flowers from June through September.

Toxicity unknown

Fragrant Water-lily (Nymphaea odorata) 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

0"–12" H × 24"–72" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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Fragrant water-lily is an aquatic perennial that produces beautiful white flowers floating on the water surface from summer through early fall. This plant requires standing water like ponds or water gardens and spreads via underwater rhizomes to form colonies of lily pads.

Growing Fragrant Water-lily

Grow Fragrant Water-lily in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 0 to 12 inches tall and spread 24 to 72 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires permanent water feature
Can spread aggressively in ponds
Not suitable for typical residential landscaping

Wildlife value

The fragrant blooms attract bees and beetles for pollination. Seeds and rhizomes provide food for waterfowl and other aquatic wildlife.

Common questions

Where does Fragrant Water-lily naturally grow?: Nymphaea odorata is native to most of the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas, Kansas, and Minnesota. It grows naturally in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving waterways.
When does Fragrant Water-lily bloom?: Fragrant Water-lily blooms from June through September, producing white flowers that open in the morning and close in the afternoon. The flowers have a sweet fragrance that is most noticeable when they first open.
What pollinates Fragrant Water-lily?: Fragrant Water-lily is pollinated primarily by bees and beetles. The flowers attract these insects with their sweet fragrance and provide both nectar and pollen as rewards.
What growing conditions does Fragrant Water-lily need?: This aquatic plant requires consistently high water levels and tolerates partial sun to partial shade conditions. It grows best in still or slow-moving freshwater with muddy bottoms where its roots can anchor.
Is Fragrant Water-lily HOA-friendly?: Fragrant Water-lily takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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