NC Common Wetland Plants Guide: Nymphaea odorata

Coefficient of Conservatism Values (more info)

Mountains

Piedmont

Coastal Plain

National Wetland Plant List Status (more info)

Eastern Mountains/Piedmont

OBL

Coastal Plain

OBL

FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:

Split leaf with reddish undersides and fragrant flower when in bloom.

Description: Floating-leaved, aquatic plant with long leaf stalks arising from the rhizome.

Leaves: Circular leaves, split, with pointed lobes. Leaves green on surface and purplish on undersides. Leaves to about 25 cm wide and long. Veins branching.

Flowers/Fruit: White or pinkish, fragrant flower with 25 or more ovate petals. Flower has 4 green sepals. Flowers and fruits June to September.

Habit and Range: Lakes, ponds and slow streams throughout the state.

Typical Max Plant Height (m):

Leaf Arrangement:

Basal

Leaf Division:

Simple

Leaf Margin:

Entire

Leaf Shape:

Heart-shaped, Ovate, Round

Inflorescence Color:

White, Pink

Fruit Color:

Lifespan:

Perennial

Group:

Dicot

Family:

Nymphaeaceae / Water lily

Ecoregions Found In:

Statewide

COMMON CONFUSIONS:

The similar Nuphar lutea (yellow pond-lily) leaf has a rounded or heart-shaped leaf base and leaves have green undersides. Nuphar lutea leaves may become elevated above the water surface; this is not the case with Nymphaea odorata (American water-lily). Nymphaea odorata could also be confused with Brasenia schreberi (water-shield), which has smaller oval leaves with a pronounced, clear, gelatinous coating.

Click here to view Nuphar lutea.

Link to side-by-side comparisons page