American lotus

Nelumbo lutea

The American lotus (Nelumbo lutea) is an aquatic flowering plant native to North America. This perennial plant is easily identified by its large, round yellow flowers that measure up to five inches in diameter. The lotus grows best in shallow waters with sandy bottoms and can produce both seeds and flowers simultaneously. It grows on towers made of thick rhizomes beneath the water and can reach heights of three to four feet. The leaves of the lotus are round and range in size from five to eighteen inches. The fruit of the American lotus is a hard, fibrous pod filled with edible seeds. The plants make a great addition to any landscape and are also popular for their crop value.