American Lotus

Nelumbo lutea Willd.

Nelumbonaceae (Lotus Family)

Nelu

plants in a shallow pond ▲

closer view of plants, flowers ▲

▲leaves showing center attachment of petioles (peltate leaves)

▲beginning formation of fruit

plants in a shallow pond ▲

American Lotus: 

      Emergent plant with large, round leaves (6-18” across) with petiole attached in center of the leaf; stems emerge 0.5-3’ above water

      Flowers large, showy, white with yellow center; fruit capsule is funnel-shaped with perforations at the top where seeds emerge—dried fruit receptacle is used in dried flower arrangements

      Reproduces by rhizomes & very long-lived seeds

      Can cover 1 acre shallow, small pond in 3-4  years if uncontrolled