[6][7] Nuphar variegata is a rhizomatous, perennial, aquatic[4] herb[5] with 2.5–7 cm wide rhizomes.

[10][11][6] The 2.5–5 cm wide,[6] yellow flowers float on the water surface or extend beyond it.

[6] It was first validly published by Elias Durand in 1866 based on previous work by George Engelmann.

[9][6][15] The specific epithet variegata, from the Latin variegatus, means variously coloured.

[1] It occurs in ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers[8] in up to 2 m deep water.