American Lotus Nelumbo lutea
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- nee-LUM-bo LOO-tee-uh
- Description
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A large-flowered marginal aquatic perennial that typically grows 3-6’ tall in shallow water and spreads, sometimes aggressively, by thickened rhizomes rooted in the mud. This plant is often found near ponds, lakes, slow streams, and marshes.
This plant has flowers that grow up to 10" across, making them one of the largest flowers in North America. The flowers are thermogenic (generating heat) and are pollinated by beetles, primarily Chrysomelidae and medium-sized bees. Phorid flies (Phoridae) also visit the flowers.
For water gardens or small ponds, plant roots in large containers or planting baskets with up to 24” of water covering the crowns. Container grown plants are easier to control and, if desired, to move to other locations. This plant is tolerant of heat. The rubes, leaves, and seeds of this plant are edible.
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Nelumbo
- Species:
- lutea
- Family:
- Nelumbonaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- The young leaf stalks/leaves, the rootstock and the seeds were eaten by native Americans.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South East Canada to Mexico, Greater Antilles, Colombia
- Distribution:
- New York and Ontario west to Minnesota and south to Florida and Texas plus Mexico, Central America, Columbia and the West Indies.
- Wildlife Value:
- Colonies of this plant provide excellent habitat and shelter for wildlife.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Water Plant
- Wildflower
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Horizontal
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Rapid
- Maintenance:
- High
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- Moist
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
- Fruit Description:
- After blooming, nut-like fruits begin to form imbedded in the flat surface of the receptacle. Receptacles turn brown, harden and acquire a woody-like texture as they dry (suggestive of wasps’ nests). Eventually, the receptacle breaks off and falls into the water where it floats as it slowly disintegrates, distributing its seed as it goes. Fruits are available June-October.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Gold/Yellow
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Head
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Cup
- Flower Petals:
- 7 - 20 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- > 6 inches
- Flower Description:
- Each flower has a distinctive showerhead-like central turbinate (inversely conical) receptacle (2-3” diameter) consisting of pistil-containing cavities. Each flower blooms for about three days, opening in the morning and closing at night each day. Flowers bloom June-September.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Feel:
- Waxy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Shape:
- Orbicular
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Width:
- > 6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 1-2 ft. bowl-shaped leaves held 1-2 feet above the water
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Pond
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Small Mammals
