SafePlants

Yellow Pond Lily (Nuphar lutea)

The Yellow Pond Lily, also known as Spatterdock, Cow Lily, or Brandy-bottle, is an aquatic plant with a fascinating array of characteristics and a wide distribution.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the plant has rhizomes.
• It's often planted in water gardens.
• It is a fast growing waterplant that is often used as an ornamental plant in ponds.

Considerations for Children

• The plant has large "lily pad" leaves.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Nuphar lutea
• Common Names: Yellow Pond Lily, Spatterdock, Cow Lily, Brandy-bottle
• Family: Nymphaeaceae (Water-lily Family)
• Genus: Nuphar Sm.

Synonyms and Alternative Names

• Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm.
• Nuphar polysepalum (Note: Some debate exists regarding the correct classification and naming.)
• Bullhead-Lily

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to temperate regions of Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia.
• Found throughout North America, from Alaska to California and the Rocky Mountains.
• Grows in shallow water and wetlands, including lakes, ponds, canals, ditches, and slow-moving rivers.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• Perennial aquatic plant.
• Features large "lily pad" leaves.
• Produces bright yellow, globular flowers, 1 to 2 inches across.
• Flowers from May to October.
• Reproduces from seeds and rhizomes.
• Can grow in water up to 16 inches deep.
• Leaves can be large, ranging from 10-40 cm long.
• Flowers are 8-13 cm in diameter.
• Sepals are yellow or greenish, 3-5 cm long.
• Fruit is 4-5 cm long.

Ecological Role

• Provides excellent habitat for largemouth bass and sunfish.
• Can spread easily and become rampant in certain conditions.

Quirky Facts

• One common name, "brandy-bottle," comes from the strong, alcoholic smell of its flowers.

Further Information

• USDA National Plant Data Center (http://npdc.usda.gov)
• Canadian Museum of Nature (Referenced for a larger image)