American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)

Lotus-lily family (Nelumbonaceae)
American lotus is an emergent, aquatic, perennial herb, reaching 2.5-6 feet tall. The leaves and flowers emerge above the water’s surface or are floating on the surface, while the roots are anchored in the mud by creeping rhizomes, which can be 50 ft long. The long-stalked leaves are dull-satiny, often waxy, bluish green on top and pale green beneath, up to 2 ft wide, and round without a notch as in water lilies. The stalk connects to the leaf in its center like an umbrella. Arising straight from the rhizomes on long stout stalks, the large (up to 10 in across) yellow flowers have 22-25 petals and a golden center. They open in the morning and close by late afternoon and reopen the following day. They are pollinated by bees. Flowers from late spring to summer. The brown flat-topped seed pods look like showerheads. Occurs throughout much of the eastern US and Canada, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It covers extensive areas along the Mississippi River. It occurs in muddy, shallow waters such as lake margins, slow-moving streams, rivers, and swamps. Prefers full sun. The roots, young leaves, and seeds were eaten by Native Americans. Its seed pods are sold as decoration in floral arrangements. Can become weedy and difficult to eradicate. Also known as yellow lotus, yellow water lotus, duck acorn, lotus lily, pond nuts, and water-chinquapin.

Listed as Endangered in NJ and PA; Threatened in MI.