Nymphaea sp.
Waterlily, water-nymph, Water-Nymph
Family: Nymphaeaceae · Type: Perennial · Not Native
Nymphaea sp. (Waterlily) is a non-native California perennial in the Nymphaeaceae family.
How to tell it apart
vs Nuphar: Nymphaea flowers spread flat and open wide; Nuphar flowers are cup-shaped and stay partly closed.; vs Nelumbo: Nymphaea leaves float flat on water with a notch; lotus leaves rise high above water on central stalks.; vs Brasenia: Nymphaea leaves have a V-notch and never slimy; Brasenia leaves attach at center and have thick slime underneath.; vs Victoria: Nymphaea leaves are under 2 feet wide with smooth edges; Victoria leaves are 3+ feet wide with raised rim.; vs Punica: Nymphaea is aquatic with floating leaves; pomegranate is a terrestrial woody shrub.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nymphaea sp. native to California?
No. Nymphaea sp. is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Nymphaea sp. belong to?
Nymphaea sp. is in the Nymphaeaceae family, genus Nymphaea.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.