western yellow pond-lily

Nuphar polysepala

The western yellow pond-lily is a beautiful water plant with big, round leaves and bright yellow flowers. It grows in ponds and lakes, making the water look lovely and inviting.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The western yellow pond-lily has large, waxy, heart-shaped leaves that float flat on the water. Its distinctive bright yellow, bowl-shaped flowers, often tinged with red at the base, emerge proudly above the water surface.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderNymphaealesFamilyNymphaeaceaeGenusNuphar

western yellow pond-lily

Interesting facts

Its buoyant seeds float like tiny boats, spreading new plants to distant watery homes!

Its large, leathery leaves offer perfect shady hiding spots for small fish and tadpoles!

Some flowers give off a slightly yeasty or fruity scent to attract helpful beetle pollinators!

The huge underwater roots can grow as thick as your arm, storing energy for years!

Special abilities

western yellow pond-lily has special air channels in its stems that deliver oxygen deep underwater, helping it thrive in muddy lake bottoms.

western yellow pond-lily has strong, flexible stems that allow its leaves and flowers to sway with water currents without breaking.

western yellow pond-lily has huge, starchy underwater rhizomes that store vital energy and nutrients, helping it survive harsh winters.

Measurements & details

Height: 5-15 cm
Spread: 50-150 cm
Flower Size: 10-20 cm
Bloom Season: Late spring to late summer
Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

eats

Muskrat

Ondatra zibethicus

Feeds on the plant's nutritious underwater rhizomes.

eats

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Dabbles for its floating, starchy seeds.

shelters

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Hides under its wide floating leaves from predators.

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.

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.

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.