American Lotus, Yellow Lotus: Nelumbo lutea
Lyn A. Gettys
American lotus is an herbaceous aquatic perennial native plant that tolerates a wide range of conditions (e.g., pH, soil composition, and water depth). In order to thrive, the American lotus requires full sun, loamy soil, and space. The fragrant yellow flowers, huge round leaves, and persistent seed pods borne on stiff stalks high above the water make the American lotus both distinctive and visually striking. This species has long been valued for more than its beauty. For example, Native American tribes treated the American lotus as a sacred plant with mystical powers, and many tribes ate the plant's large rhizomes and used parts of the plant for medicinal purposes. When coupled with its beauty, the plant's ability to flourish in various areas makes it an ideal native plant for constructed or restored wetland areas, where it provides shelter, habitat, and food for wildlife.
