SafePlants

Yellow Pond Lily (Nuphar lutea)

The Yellow Pond Lily, also known as Spatterdock or Cow Lily, is an aquatic perennial found in various regions. Its bright yellow flowers and large lily pad leaves make it a recognizable feature of still or slow-moving waters.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has the potential to easily spread and even become rampant, so its presence may need to be monitored if near animals.
• The flowers of some closely related yellow pond lilies in Europe smell strongly of alcohol.

Considerations for Children

• This plant has the potential to easily spread and even become rampant, so its presence may need to be monitored if near children.
• The flowers of some closely related yellow pond lilies in Europe smell strongly of alcohol.

Common Names

• Yellow Pond Lily
• Spatterdock
• Cow Lily
• Yellow Water-lily
• Brandy-bottle
• Bullhead-Lily

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Nuphar lutea (L.) Sm.
• Family: Nymphaeaceae (Water-lily Family)
• Genus: Nuphar Sm.
• Plant Symbol: NULU
• Synonyms: Nuphar lutea polysepala (syn.)

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 substrate.
• Common in ponds, lakes, canals, ditches, and slow-moving rivers.

Ecological Role

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

Morphological Characteristics

• Aquatic perennial.
• Large lily pad leaves, typically 10-30 cm (4-12 in.) in diameter.
• Bright yellow, globular flowers, 3-5 cm (1-2 in.) across, with a prominent, lobed stigma.
• Flowers from May to October.
• Grows in water up to 16 inches deep.

Reproduction

• Reproduces from seeds and rhizomes.

Further Information

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