American Lotus

American lotus, Nelumbo lutea, is a large aquatic perennial with round leaves, conspicuous yellow flowers, and distinctive seed pods. It grows from rhizomes in shallow water and can spread vigorously, making planting depth and containment important in smaller ponds. [North Carolina Extension species profile](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/nelumbo-lutea/) [University of Florida IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants](https://plant-directory.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/nelumbo-lutea/) ## Pond character NC State Extension describes American lotus as a marginal aquatic plant that typically reaches three to six feet in shallow water; flowers may reach ten inches across. The University of Florida profile notes large yellow blooms, circular leaves, and large cone-shaped seed pods. It is native to eastern North America and also occurs farther south. The rhizomes, leaves, and seeds are edible, though pond-grown material should only be harvested where water quality is known to be safe. ## Maintenance Grow in full sun in a pond or water garden. Plant crowns in a stable aquatic basket and start with a manageable water depth; the NC State profile recommends shallow placement, with up to about two feet of water above the crown for control. Divide or contain rhizomes when they outgrow their space, and remove spent foliage and seed pods as needed.