American White Waterlily

(Nymphaea odorata)

American White Waterlily (Nymphaea odorata)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Nymphaea odorata image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Nymphaea odorata, commonly known as American White Waterlily, is a deciduous perennial herb native to still freshwater habitats such as ponds, slow streams, and protected areas of lakes throughout the Eastern and Central USA and Canada. It typically grows to a height of 0.7-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters) and spreads about 1 foot (0.3 meters) wide. The American White Waterlily is characterized by its floating leaves and showy, fragrant flowers. The leaves are nearly circular with a waxy, water-repellent coating, which helps them float and prevents tearing from water movement. The flowers are white with numerous petals surrounding prominent yellow stamens, blooming in the summer. They are highly fragrant, opening during the day and closing at night. After pollination, the fruit develops underwater.

This plant is valued for its ornamental beauty and is a popular choice for aquatic gardens and water features. It provides habitat and food for aquatic wildlife and can help improve water quality by absorbing nutrients. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and thrives in standing freshwater. It is important to plant it in a container to control its spread, as it can be invasive outside its native range. The American White Waterlily has no significant disease problems, but it can crowd out other aquatic plants if not managed properly.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.7-0.5 feet
  • Width: 3-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
  • Water: Aquatic
  • Drainage: Standing

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Still freshwater habitats such as ponds, slow streams, and protected areas of lakes

Other Names

Common Names: Fragrant Water-Lily, Beaver Root, Fragrant White Water Lily, Sweet-Scented White Water Lily, Sweet-Scented Water Lily, Doftnäckros, American White Water-Lily

Scientific Names: , Nymphaea odorata, Nymphaea odorata var. gigantea, Nymphaea odorata var. odorata, Castalia pringlei, Castalia odorata var. latifolia, Nymphaea odorata var. glabra, Nymphaea odorata var. rubra, Nymphaea lekophylla, Castalia lekophylla

GBIF Accepted Name: Nymphaea odorata Sol. ex Aiton