SafePlants

Yellow Pond Lily (Nuphar lutea)

The Yellow Pond Lily, also known as Spatterdock, Cow Lily, or Brandy-bottle, is an aquatic perennial with distinctive yellow flowers and large "lily pad" leaves.

Considerations for Pets

• While the provided text mentions that the USDA lists no known hazards, it's worth noting that the plant produces a sap and grows in aquatic environments.

Considerations for Children

• The plant grows in aquatic environments, which may present water safety considerations.

Quirky Facts

• One common name for a related yellow pond lily in Europe is "brandy-bottle" because of the strong alcohol-like smell emitted from its flowers.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm.
• Common Names: Yellow Pond Lily, Spatterdock, Cow Lily, Brandy-bottle
• Family: Nymphaeaceae (Water-lily Family)
• Synonyms: Some debate exists about the appropriate scientific names for yellow pond lilies. Nuphar lutea polysepala is mentioned as a synonym for Nuphar polysepala.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to temperate regions of Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia.
• Also found throughout North America, including Alaska, California, and the Rocky Mountains.
• Grows in shallow water and wetlands, with roots in mud, commonly found in ponds, lakes, canals, and slow-moving rivers or stagnant water.

Morphological Characteristics

• Aquatic plant with large "lily pad" leaves, typically ranging from 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12 inches) in diameter.
• The single, yellow, fleshy flower is globular, 1 to 2 inches across, and has a prominent, lobed stigma.
• Flowers are typically 8 to 13 cm (3 to 5 inches) in diameter.
• Can grow in water up to 16 inches deep.

Ecological Role

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

Reproduction

• Flowers from May to October.
• Reproduces from seeds and rhizomes.

Further Information

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