How much sun does Pond-Lily need?

Pond-Lily grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Pond-Lily bloom?

Pond-Lily blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Pond-Lily native?

Pond-Lily (Nuphar variegata) is native to CT, DE, IA, ID and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Pond-Lily attract?

Pond-Lily draws bees and beetles.

Is Pond-Lily HOA-friendly?

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

Pond-Lily

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Nuphar variegata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Pond-Lily (Nuphar variegata) 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

12"–36" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, DE, IA, ID and 19 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Great Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Erie Drift Plain Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Ridge and Valley Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Nuphar variegata is a native aquatic plant that produces heart-shaped floating leaves and small yellow cup-shaped flowers. This water lily requires consistently wet conditions or shallow standing water to thrive. It spreads by underwater rhizomes and can form colonies in pond margins or water gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pond-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 standing water or bog conditions
Can appear messy as aquatic plant
May spread aggressively in water features

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during summer blooming months. Seeds and foliage provide food for waterfowl and other aquatic wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Pond-Lily need?: Pond-Lily grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Pond-Lily bloom?: Pond-Lily blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Pond-Lily native?: Pond-Lily (Nuphar variegata) is native to CT, DE, IA, ID and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Pond-Lily attract?: Pond-Lily draws bees and beetles.
Is Pond-Lily HOA-friendly?: Pond-Lily takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

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

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