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yellow pond-lily

Scientific Name: Nuphar lutea ssp. orbiculata

Family: Nymphaeaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Yellow Pond Lily (Nuphar lutea)

The Yellow Pond Lily, also known as Spatterdock, Cow Lily, Yellow Pond-lily, or Brandy-bottle, is an aquatic plant with a vibrant presence in various aquatic ecosystems.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is often grown in water gardens.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm.
  • Family: Nymphaeaceae (Water-lily family)
  • Synonyms/Common Names: Spatterdock, Cow Lily, Yellow Pond-lily, Brandy-bottle, Bullhead-Lily, Yellow Water-lily
  • Plant Symbol: NULU

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.
  • Commonly grows in lakes, ponds, canals, ditches, and slow-moving rivers and wetlands.
  • Prefers shallow water, with roots anchored in the substrate.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial aquatic plant.
  • Has large, floating "lily pad" leaves, typically 10-30 cm (4-12 inches) in diameter.
  • Produces single, yellow, fleshy flowers with a prominent, lobed stigma.
  • Flowers are globular, 1 to 2 inches across, and 8-13 cm (3-5 inches) in diameter.
  • Flowers from May to October.
  • Grows from seeds and rhizomes.
  • Can grow in water up to 16 inches deep.

Quirky Facts

  • One common name in Europe is "brandy-bottle" because of the strong smell of alcohol coming from its flowers.

Ecological Role

  • Provides excellent habitat for largemouth bass and sunfish.
  • Can easily spread and even become rampant.

Related Species

  • Nuphar polysepalum: Also referred to as Spatterdock.
  • Nuphar variegatum: A yellow pond lily.
  • Nuphar microphyllum: Small Yellow Pond-lily.
  • Nuphar advena: A deep-water variety.

Further Resources

  • USDA National Plant Data Center (http://npdc.usda.gov)