Chamaenymphaea is a section within the subgenus Nymphaea subg.

[3] Its species have small,[3] erect,[4][6] cylindric, unbranched rhizomes lacking stolons.

[4] The obovate to oval,[7] glabrous, petiolate leaves[4] with an entire margin[4][7] have glabrous petioles[4] with two primary air canals.

[7] The small, 3–7.5 cm wide,[6] white or rosy,[7] flowers have peduncles with 4 primary air canals.

[3] It occurs in North America,[4][5] Asia,[5] and Europe.