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Nuphar lutea ssp. advena (Common spatterdock)
Bruso, George H.

Nuphar lutea ssp. advena (Ait.) Kartesz & Gandhi

Common spatterdock, Yellow cow lily, Yellow pond lily, Spatterdock

Nymphaeaceae (Water-Lily Family)

Synonyms: N. advena, N. advena var. tomentosa, N. fluviatilis, N. microcarpa, N. ovata, Nymphaea advena

USDA Symbol: NULUA

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Spatterdock plants grow in shallow water and are rooted in the mud. They have large leaves, 4–16 inches across, that are almost round except for the deep, narrow cut a third of the way to the center, where the stout stem is attached. The leaves of this coarse, rhizomatous aquatic perennial are quite variable and may be wide or rather narrow and submersed or floating; the petioles & peduncles have numerous minute air cavities. Flowers are 1–2 inches across and held above the water by their stout stems. They have 6 sepals, the outer 3 green, the inner 3 yellow and petal-like. The yellow petals are small, numerous, and stamen-like, mixed with the many stamens. The single, yellow, fleshy flower, with its prominent, lobed stigma is the best known feature. Yellow cow lily can grow in water up to 16 in. deep.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Notes: Aquatic plant, planted to 16 in beneath water surface.
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct

Distribution

USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV
Native Distribution: Lab. to AK, s. to FL, TX & B.C.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Wet
Aquatic: yes
Cold Tolerant: yes

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Yellow cow-lilys growth form is similar to a water lily with leaves and flowers that float on the waters surface. Unusual globular flowers never look fully open, but are interesting. In winter, the foliage becomes lettuce-like and can be seen under water. Good for wetland gardens and habitat.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes

Bibliography

Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller

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Recommended Species Lists

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Nuphar lutea ssp. advena in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Nuphar lutea ssp. advena in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Nuphar lutea ssp. advena

Metadata

Record Modified: 2010-12-27
Research By: RSB

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