American white waterlily

Nymphaea odorata

The American white waterlily is a beautiful flower that floats on water. Its big, white petals open up to the sun, making ponds and lakes look lovely.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The American white waterlily has large, circular green leaves that float flat on the water's surface. Its striking, star-shaped flowers are pure white with a bright yellow center, often appearing to float right alongside the leaves.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderNymphaealesFamilyNymphaeaceaeGenusNymphaea

American white waterlily

Interesting facts

Each flower floats on a long, flexible stem, letting it bob and sway gently with the water's movement!

Its flowers are like thermometers, warming up slightly to lure in sleepy beetles!

Some waterlily seeds can remain dormant for years at the bottom of a pond before sprouting!

The water-repellent leaves mean rain and dew just roll right off their shiny, green surface!

Special abilities

American white waterlily has broad, buoyant leaves that float on the water, helping it capture maximum sunlight for energy.

American white waterlily can open its fragrant white flowers in the morning and close them again at night, like sleeping!

American white waterlily has strong rhizomes buried in the mud that anchor it firmly and store vital nutrients for winter.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-30 cm
Spread: 60-150 cm
Flower Size: 10-20 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to early fall
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honey Bee

Apis mellifera

Gathers nectar and pollen from flowers

eaten by

Muskrat

Ondatra zibethicus

Eats the rhizomes and young stems

shelters

American Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus

Hides among the floating leaves

eats

Waterlily Leaf Beetle

Galerucella nymphaeae

Feeds on the leaves and flowers

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.

Pollinator Magnet

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

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.