Spatter-dock
Nuphar advena
Last reviewed: June 2026
Spatter-dock is a native aquatic wildflower found in ponds and wetlands across eastern North America. This yellow-flowered plant blooms from May through September and attracts beetles and flies.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–48" H × 24"–60" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states
Pollinators
beetles, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Spatter-dock is an aquatic native perennial that grows in ponds, slow streams, and wetland edges. It produces distinctive yellow cup-shaped flowers from late spring through early fall above large heart-shaped floating leaves. This plant requires consistent standing water or very wet soil conditions to thrive.
Growing Spatter-dock
Grow Spatter-dock in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 60 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Spatter-dock takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires pond or water feature
- Aquatic growth habit unsuitable for typical landscaping
- Can spread aggressively in water bodies
Wildlife value
The flowers attract beetles and flies for pollination, while the seeds and rhizomes provide food for waterfowl and other wetland wildlife.
Common questions
- Where does Spatter-dock naturally grow?
- Spatter-dock is native to 29 states across eastern and central North America, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, Kansas, and Wisconsin.
- When does Nuphar advena bloom?
- Spatter-dock produces flowers from May through September, with peak blooming typically occurring during the summer months.
- What pollinators visit Spatter-dock flowers?
- The flowers of Spatter-dock are primarily pollinated by beetles and flies, which are attracted to the plant's distinctive cup-shaped yellow blooms.
- What growing conditions does Spatter-dock need?
- This aquatic plant requires consistently wet conditions and grows in ponds, slow streams, and wetland margins. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade but needs permanent water or saturated soil.
- Is Spatter-dock HOA-friendly?
- Spatter-dock 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Spatter-dock? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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