FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:
Large leaves of this plant not split as with water lilies. Distinctive seed pods persist. A milky substance is found in all parts of Nelumbo lutea.
Synonym(s): Nelumbium luteum, Nelumbo pentapetala, Nymphaea pentapetala
Description: This species has unfortunately become less common than it used to be, but is still important to be able to identify. Aquatic plant with large, round leaves which extend above water surface. It has spongy rhizomes from which leaves and flowers arise.
Leaves: Large, round, bluish-green leaves, 20 to 70 cm wide with concave centers. Early leaves float on surface, later becoming suspended above water as petioles continue to grow.
Flowers/Fruit: Attractive, pale yellow flower can be as large as the leaves. Seed pods woody and persistent; often used ornamentally. Blooms June to September; fruits late summer/early fall.
Habit and Range: Pond and lake margins, freshwater marshes, and slow streams. Found chiefly in the Piedmont and Coastal Plain.
COMMON CONFUSIONS:
Nelumbo lutea (American lotus) can be confused with Nymphaea odorata (American water-lily), but Nelumbo lutea leaves are unsplit and flowers are pale yellow, not white.
Click here to view Nymphaea odorata.
Link to side-by-side comparisons page
