Euryale ferox (Prickly Water Lily)

Euryale ferox (Prickly Water Lily) is an impressive tender aquatic perennial boasting huge, round, olive green leaves, up to 4-5 ft. across (120-150 cm), deeply veined, and with rich purple undersides. They float on the water’s surface with a leaf stalk attached in the center of the lower surface. Sharp spines cover the surface of the stems, leaves and even the flower sepals. In spring, attractive cup-shaped, bright purple flowers adorned with an inner row of white petals, can be admired. Opening during the day, often under the water, they are very small in comparison to the size of the plant. Native to southern and eastern Asia, Prickly Water Lily produces starchy, white seeds, known as fox nuts or makhana. It is frequently cultivated as an edible plant in China and India. Prickly Water Lily is suitable for medium to large water gardens.

• Grows up to 4-24 in. tall (10-60 cm) and 4-15 ft. wide (120-450 cm).
• Performs best in full sun, it requires a rich soil and still or slowly flowing water. Requires a depth of 3-8 in. (7-20 cm) of water for best flower production.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Propagates readily from seed. Seeds must be stored moist.
• Native to southern and eastern Asia, it occurs naturally from northeast India to Korea and Japan, as well as parts of eastern Russia.