Nelumbo lutea
Family: Nelumbonaceae
Plant Description: Aquatic perennial with circular leaves 30-60 cm wide. Leaves arising from rhizomes, petioles inserted into the middle of the blade (peltate). Flowers solitary with pale yellow petals 8-13 cm long.
Plant Trivia: Lotus has been held scared in parts of Asia for at least 5,000 years. Native of North & South America. Can be very aggressive. It is believed to have been dispersed by Native Americans as a food resource.
Field Identification: Only plant with a large, circular, floating leaf.
Occurrence: Occurring in deeper swales or lakes. Welder Wildlife Refuge and ANWR.
Bloom Period: May – October
Plant Use: Seed pods sometimes used in floral arrangements.
stxflora 