American lotus

Nelumbo lutea

The American lotus is a beautiful flower that floats on water. Its large, round leaves and bright yellow flowers make it look like a big, happy sun in the water!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The American lotus has large, circular, blue-green leaves, some floating on water, others rising majestically above on tall stalks. Its vibrant, pale yellow flowers, often up to 10 inches wide, emerge from the water with a prominent, cone-shaped seed pod at their center.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderProtealesFamilyNelumbonaceaeGenusNelumbo

American lotus

Interesting facts

Each beautiful flower lasts only three days.

Fish and frogs hide beneath its big leaves!

Its crunchy roots are a tasty snack!

The giant leaves can be over two feet wide!

Special abilities

American lotus has superhydrophobic leaves that make water roll off, carrying dirt and dust with it, keeping them spotless.

American lotus can generate its own heat, warming its flowers to attract specific pollinating beetles, especially on cool nights.

American lotus produces seeds that can remain viable for hundreds, even over a thousand, years, waiting for ideal conditions to sprout.

Measurements & details

Height: 60-200 cm
Spread: 100-300 cm
Flower Size: 10-25 cm
Bloom Season: Summer (July-September)
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

eaten by

Muskrat

Ondatra zibethicus

Eats rhizomes and seeds.

pollinates

Honey bee

Apis mellifera

Collects pollen from flowers.

eaten by

Elk

Cervus canadensis

Graze on leaves and stems.

shelters

Bluegill

Lepomis macrochirus

Hides from predators under leaves.

Traits

Flowering

Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.

Summer Blooming

Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.

Broadleaf Tree

Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates.

Fragrant Flower

Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.

Edible

Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.

Pollinator Magnet

Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.

Longevous

This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.