Fragrant Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata)

Water Lily family (Nymphaeaceae)
Fragrant water lily is a colony-forming, aquatic, perennial herb, reaching 8 feet tall. The leaves and flowers float on the surface or just beneath (to sometimes above if space is crowded), while the roots are anchored in the mud by creeping branching rhizomes. The long-stalked leaves are smooth, flat, shiny, green above and reddish or purplish beneath, up to 10 in wide, and almost round with a narrow and deep cut almost to the center. The stalk connects to the leaf in its center like an umbrella. Arising straight from the rhizomes on long stalks, the solitary large white or sometimes pink flowers is very fragrant and has a yellow center. They open in the morning and close by the afternoon and reopen the following day. They also will not open on very cloudy days. It is pollinated by bees, various flies, and beetles. Flowers from spring to fall. After flowering, the flower stalk contracts and a globe-shaped fruit with many seeds matures under water. The seeds float away when mature. It occurs mainly in lake shallows, ponds, ditches, and permanent slow moving waters throughout much of the North America and Central America. Can become invasive and difficult to eradicate. Considered a noxious weed in some areas, especially in western North America where it is not native, but has become naturalized. Prefers full sun. Cultivated for aquatic gardens. Has 2 subspecies. Also known as American white waterlily, fragrant white water lily, white water lily, sweet water-lily, alligator bonnet, and beaver root.

Listed as Species of Special Concern in CT.


Copyright Brett Miley