This annual herb is characterized by its floating nature and rhizomatous, stoloniferous growth. Its leaves have petioles and orbicular blades with deep cordate bases, featuring obtuse basal lobes and a triangular sinus, with somewhat sinuate margins. The flowers are bisexual and distylic, appearing above the water between the basal lobes of the leaf. They are pedicellate and typically pure white, sometimes with a yellow or orange base.