A sight to behold, Nelumbo lutea (American Lotus) is an impressive marginal aquatic perennial boasting huge, umbrella-like leaves, 2 ft. across (60 cm), often rising above the water. Large, fragrant, luminescent yellow flowers, up to 12 in. across (30 cm), appear in summer on long, stiff stalks exceeding the foliage. Blooming for about three days, they open in the morning and close by late afternoon. Their fruit is an enlarged cone-shaped receptacle, 2-3 in. across (5-7 cm), consisting of pistil-containing cavities. The striking seed receptacles are often used in flower arrangements. American Lotus spreads, sometimes aggressively, by very long creeping rhizomes rooted in the mud. It is perhaps best kept in very large containers or small ponds. The large tuberous roots were baked like sweet potatoes by native Americans, the leaves were eaten like spinach and the seeds were prepared to be eaten like nuts or ground into flour. The ravishing pink flowers of Nelumbo nucifera (Sacred Lotus) of Asia and Australia, are more often seen in cultivation.

• Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall (90-180 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm). This plant will invade any body of water.
• Performs best in full sun in organically rich, wet soils. For water gardens or small ponds, plant in a planting basket with up to 24 in. of water (60 cm), covering the crowns.
• Propagate by division during the growing season.
• No serious pest or disease issues.
• Native to eastern North America.