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American Lotus

How to identify American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)

American Lotus, also known as Water-Chinquapin

American Lotus is a robust aquatic perennial that thrives in shallow water up to 6 feet (about 1.8 meters) deep. It exhibits a striking presence with a height ranging from 3 to 6 feet (approximately 0.9 to 1.8 meters). The plant is characterized by its large, showy flowers and broad, round leaves that float on the water's surface or may rise above it. Radiating from its base, american Lotus possesses thick, tuberous rhizomes embedded in the muddy substrate. It tends to expand its territory via these rhizomes, which can lead to extensive colonies under suitable conditions.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify American Lotus

1

Large, showy flowers with pale yellow hue, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter.

2

Bowl-shaped leaves, 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) wide, with palmate venation and waxy texture.

3

Distinctive flat, woody receptacle housing nut-like fruits resembling a wasp's nest.

4

Robust aquatic perennial reaching 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters) in height, thriving in shallow water.

5

Tuberous rhizomes for expansion, radiating from base and forming extensive colonies under suitable conditions.

American LotusAmerican LotusAmerican LotusAmerican LotusAmerican Lotus

Detailed Traits of American Lotus

Leaf Features

The leaves of american Lotus are large, bowl-shaped, and measure 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in diameter. They are held aloft on strong petioles, rising 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) above the water. The leaves are green, smooth, and have a waxy texture. The venation is palmate, with prominent veins radiating from a central point. The edges are usually entire, creating a clean, rounded appearance. The center of the leaves often shows a slight depression, adding to their bowl-like shape.

Leaf Shape

Circular

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Flower Features

American Lotus features large, showy flowers with 20-25 petals arranged in multiple layers, radiating from a distinctive showerhead-like central receptacle. Each flower measures about 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) in diameter and boasts a pale yellow hue. These flowers bloom from June to September, each lasting for three days, opening in the morning and closing at night. The central receptacle appears inversely conical and houses various pistil-containing cavities, adding to the ornate complexity of the bloom.

American Lotus Flower image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of american Lotus is nut-like, set within a flat, woody receptacle reminiscent of a wasp's nest. During the period from June to October, these fruits mature to exhibit a hardened, brown texture as they dry. Each receptacle detaches and drifts on water, gradually releasing seeds. The unique, embedded arrangement of the fruits, coupled with the receptacle's transformation to a tough, brown state, are distinctive characteristics aiding in identification.

American Lotus Fruit image
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Key Facts About American Lotus

Attributes of American Lotus
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
80 cm to 1.5 m
Flower Color
Yellow
White
Pink
Cream
Gold
Fruit Color
Brown
Copper
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of American Lotus

Genus
Lotuses
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Species
American Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)
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Distribution Map of American Lotus

American Lotus is native to major regions of North America and the Caribbean. It has been introduced and is now also found in parts of South America and Asia. While originally from the aforementioned native ranges, american Lotus is also cultivated in other areas beyond its natural distribution.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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