Nelumbo lutea
Photo by Shirley Denton. Photograph belongs to the photographer who allows use for FNPS purposes only. Please contact the photographer for all other uses.
Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones
Suitable to grow in:
8A 8B 9A
2002-2022, Copyright Florida Native Plant Society
Lotus-lily, Yellow Lotus, American Lotus
Nelumbonaceae
Plant Specifics
| Size: | ft | |
| Life Span: | Long-lived perennial | |
| Flower Color: | Yellow | |
| Fruit Color: | Brown,black | |
| Phenology: | Winter dormant | |
| Habitats: | Ponds, lakes, rivers still or slow moving water in areas not subject to substantial wave action. |
Landscaping
| Recommended Uses: | Water plant. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Light: | Full Sun | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Moisture Tolerance: |
always floodedextremely dry |
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| Moisture Tolerance: | Aquatic (always flooded) ----- to ----- Aquatic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Water Flooding Tolerance: | Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salt Spray Tolerance: | Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Soil/Substrate: | Pond, lake, or stream bottom | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wildlife
The seeds of this wildflower are consumed by the Canada Goose, Mallard, Northern Shoveler, and probably other waterfowl. (Illinois Wildfllowers). Beaver (and likely other wetland mammals) will consume seeds and veegetative parts of the plant.
The flowers are cross-pollinated by bees which collect pollen for their larvae. Two bee species that occur in Florida Lasioglossum nelumbonis and and Hylaeus nelumbonis, specialize in the pollen of the American lotus. Other visitors include flower flies (Syrphidae), shore flies (Ephydridae), and miscellaneous beetles. This latter group of floral visitors feed on pollen. (Illinois Wildfllowers).