Nymphaea rudgeana, commonly known as the Water Poppy, is an aquatic perennial herb native to freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers from Mexico to tropical South America. It thrives in shallow waters at river margins and is adapted to a wide range of aquatic environments. The species typically features thick, leathery leaves that can reach up to 14 inches in diameter in deeper waters, with dentate margins and a shiny, light green upper surface, often with distinctive brownish-purple spotting underneath. The flowers of Nymphaea rudgeana are particularly showy, with green or pink sepals and white to pink petals that emit a pleasant lemon scent when in bloom. This species is non-stoloniferous and propagates through seed production.

The Water Poppy is valued for its ornamental qualities, especially its fragrant and visually appealing flowers. It is suitable for water gardens and naturalized pond settings, providing an exotic touch and attracting pollinators. It can tolerate a range of water conditions, including slightly salty or brackish water, making it versatile for various aquatic garden designs. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it does require full sun to partial shade and clean, stagnant to slow-moving water to thrive. Gardeners should be aware that, although it produces numerous seeds, it is not considered invasive. However, it remains rare in cultivation outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0