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Marcus, Joseph A.
Nymphaea odorata Ait.
American white waterlily, American white water-lily, Fragrant white water lily, White water lily, Fragrant water lily, White water lily
Nymphaeaceae (Water-Lily Family)
Synonyms: Nymphaea odorata ssp. tuberosa, Nymphaea tuberosa
USDA Symbol: nyod
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A floating aquatic plant with large, fragrant, white or pink flowers and flat, round, floating leaves. The leaves have long stems and are bright green above and reddish or purplish underneath, almost round. They are narrowly and deeply cut almost to the center, where the stem is attached. They are up to 10 inches across, floating on the surface of the water or just beneath. There is 1 flower to a stem, white, fragrant, 2–6 inches across, and floating on the water. Flowers open in the early morning and close about noon. There are 4 sepals and many rows of white petals, often more than 25, which are 3/4–4 inches long, thick, and pointed at the tip. There are more than 70 stamens. The outer ones are large and petal-like; they become smaller toward the center.
One of the most common white water-lilies, Fragrant Water-lilys flowers and leaves float on the water. It usually flowers only from early morning until noon. The stomata, tiny openings on the leaf surface through which carbon dioxide and other gases pass into the plant, are on the upper, shiny leaf surface rather than on the lower surface as is the case for most dry-land plants. The leaf stalk, which is soft and spongy, has 4 main air channels for the movement of gases, especially oxygen, from the leaves to the large stems (rhizomes) buried in the muck, which are frequently eaten by muskrats. The Small White Water-lily (N. tetragona), has white flowers 2 1/2 (6.3 cm) wide with only 7—13 petals, that open in the afternoon. Native to the northeastern United States, it is found in Canada, south to northwest Maine, and west to northern Michigan and Minnesota and a few places in Washington and Idaho.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Size Notes: 0-1
Flower:
Fruit: Green
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AK , AL , AR , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , ID , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , MT , NC , NE , NH , NJ , NM , NV , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , UT , VA , VT , WA , WI , WVCanada: BC , MB , NB , NS , ON , PE , QC , SK
Native Distribution: Nf. to s. Man, s. to FL & TX; naturalized westward
Native Habitat: In ponds, lakes, slow streams, and ditches in southeast Texas. Sand, loam, clay, mud.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), PR(N), CAN(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: HighLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
Aquatic: yes
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Any pond bottom, Shallow water.
Conditions Comments: One of the most common white water-lilies, Fragrant Water-lilys flowers and leaves float on the water. It usually flowers only from early morning until noon. The fragrant, white flowers of this rhizomatous, aquatic perennial are 3-6 in. across when open, but they close at night or on very cloudy days.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Aromatic, Bog or pond area, Water gardenUse Wildlife: Waterfowl and mammals eat the buoyant seeds and other parts of the plant.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Birds
Propagation
Propagation Material: Root DivisionDescription: Increase by rhizome division. Barely cover the rhizomes with soil and place within 6-8 in. of the water surface until several new leaves have appeared; at that time move to deeper water.
Seed Collection: The flower stalk contracts after flowering and a globe-shaped fruit with many seeds matures under water.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
From the National Suppliers Directory
According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Native Plant Nursery - Sanibel, FL
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Crosby Arboretum - Picayune, MS
Bibliography
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.
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From the Archive
Wildflower Newsletter 1995 VOL. 12, NO.2 - Wildflower Center Opens April 8th through 9th, Grand Opening Schedule of Events,...
Recommended Species Lists
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View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Nymphaea odorata in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Nymphaea odorata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Nymphaea odorata
Metadata
Record Modified: 2012-10-03Research By: TWC Staff, WFS
