Nelumbo lutea Plant Identification (Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses)

Nelumbo lutea Willd. – American Lotus

Nelumbo lutea plant

FamilyNelumbonaceae

Stems:

N/A

Leaves:

N/A

Inflorescence:

N/A

Flowers:

Nelumbo lutea flower

Nelumbo lutea organs

Flowering – May – August.

Habitat – Ponds, lakes, marshes.

Origin – Native to North America.

Other information – This attractive aquatic species can be found in a few northern Alabama counties and also in the southern portion of the state. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its habitat, peltate leaves, and big flowers. The flowers are held high above the water. Some leaves float on the water’s surface while others are held well above the water.
Nelumbo is taken from a Ceylonese (Sinhalese) name.
The species epithet lutea derives from the Latin “lut(e)” meaning “yellow, mud-colored” referring to the color of the flowers.

Alabama Distribution:

Nelumbo lutea map

Photographs taken at Eufala National Wildlife Refuge, AL., 6-4-06.