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Native Plant Society of Texas

Banana Waterlily

Nymphaea mexicana

Other common name(s):

Yellow Waterlily, Sun Lotus

Family:

Nymphaeaceae (Water Lily Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Coastal Sand Plain, Floodplains and Low Terraces4, Laguna Madre Barrier Island and Coastal Marshes, Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Mid-Coast Barrier Islands and Coastal Marshes, Northern Humid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies, Texas-Louisiana Coastal Marshes

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Wetland

Height

.25
to
1
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Deep, Moist, Mud

Light Requirement

Sun

Water Requirement

High

Native Habitat

Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Forage, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Small Mammals, Deer, Aquatic Wildlife

Maintenance

Perfect for ponds and water gardens. Spread can be controlled if needed by planting in a container without drainage holes and submerged in water. Set up a pond or a water collection tank near a downspout to supplement water. Native habitat: lakes, ponds, and slow streams. Propagation: root division.

Comments

Blooms March-October. Fleshy, oval-shaped, bright green leaves, with reddish undersides, float on the water. Fragrant, multi-petaled, yellow flowers are open from mid day to late afternoon.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Castalia flava

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Rhizome Division Carefully separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has at least one growing point. Plant the divisions in separate containers with loamy soil and submerge them in water. Divide the rhizomes during the spring or early summer. https://earthone.io/plant/nymphaea%20mexicana
Seed Scarification Gently nick the seed coat with a file (scarification) to help with water absorption. See sowing directions under Seed Stratification Collect mature seed pods from the Nymphaea mexicana after flowering. Allow them to dry thoroughly before extracting the seeds. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-nymphaea-mexicana/
Seed Stratification After scarification, place the seeds in damp paper towels inside a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate for 4-6 weeks (stratification) to simulate winter dormancy. Fill small pots with a mixture of sand and aquatic potting mix. Sow the seeds on the surface and cover them lightly with soil. Place the pots in a shallow tray of water and maintain a temperature of 70-75°F. Provide ample sunlight or artificial light for optimal germination. Once the seedlings develop a few sets of leaves and a strong root system, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into your pond. Collect mature seed pods from the Nymphaea mexicana after flowering. Allow them to dry thoroughly before extracting the seeds. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-nymphaea-mexicana/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason