SafePlants

Yellow Pond Lily (Nuphar lutea)

The Yellow Pond Lily, also known as Spatterdock, Cow Lily, or Brandy-Bottle, is a captivating aquatic plant with bright yellow, globe-shaped flowers.

Considerations for Pets

• While the provided text states "Known Hazards, None," this information should not be taken as a guarantee of safety. Observe pets carefully around any plant, especially those in aquatic environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm.
• Family: Nymphaeaceae (Water-lily family)
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Nuphar polysepalum (Note: The text suggests debate on appropriate names within the scientific community.)
• Other Common Names: Spatterdock, Cow Lily, Yellow Pond-lily, Brandy-bottle, Bullhead-Lily

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to temperate regions of Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia.
• Also found throughout North America, from Alaska to California and the Rocky Mountains.
• Grows in shallow water and wetlands, with roots in the soil of lakes, ponds, canals, ditches, and slow-moving rivers.
• A deep-water variety known as Nuphar advena prefers tidal water and pond margins.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

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

Quirky Facts

• One common name, "brandy-bottle," comes from the strong smell of alcohol emanating from its flowers, particularly in some European varieties.

Ecological Role

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

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The green frog is often observed sitting on its leaves.

Further Information

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