Plant Profile: Nelumbo lutea

This perennial aquatic plant, known for its large flowers, typically reaches heights of 3 to 6 feet in shallow waters and can spread vigorously through robust rhizomes anchored in the mud. It is commonly found in the vicinity of ponds, lakes, slow-moving streams, and marshy areas.

For those cultivating water gardens or small ponds, it is advisable to plant the roots in sizable containers or planting baskets, ensuring that the crowns are submerged under as much as 24 inches of water. Container-grown specimens offer greater control and flexibility for relocation if needed. This species is heat-tolerant, and its tubers, leaves, and seeds are all edible. Notably, its flowers can expand to a remarkable 10 inches in diameter, making them among the largest blooms in North America.