American lotus

Nelumbo lutea (American Lotus or Yellow Lotus) is one of North America's most spectacular native aquatic plants, known for its enormous round leaves and fragrant pale yellow blooms. Rising high above the water's surface, its flowers can reach up to 10 inches across and are followed by distinctive cone-shaped seed pods that provide food for waterfowl and other wildlife. Large floating and emergent leaves create shade, shelter, and habitat within ponds and lakes while spreading rhizomes help establish impressive colonies over time. With its iconic appearance and ecological importance, American Lotus brings a dramatic, natural beauty to larger ponds and aquatic landscapes. Scientific Name: Nelumbo lutea Origin: Texas and North America Native Habitat: Ponds, lakes, freshwater marshes, slow-moving waters Height: Leaves and flowers rise 3–6 ft above water Spread: Variable (spreads by rhizomes) Light: Full Sun Water: Wet (fully aquatic) USDA Zones: 4–10 Bloom: June to September