American lotus
Nelumbo lutea (Willd.) Pers.
American lotus grows in shallow freshwater, sending stout stems and broad round leaves up from rhizomes in the mud. Large pale-yellow flowers later give way to the distinctive seed heads often compared to showerheads. NC State Extension
Recognizing the plant
Look for the broad circular leaves and the flat flower receptacle with separate cavities. As the flower develops into fruit, that receptacle becomes the recognizable showerhead-shaped seed head. NC State Extension
When it blooms
North Carolina regional guidance (NC State Extension)
NC State lists June through September as the flowering season. An individual flower lasts about three days, opening in daylight and closing at night. NC State Extension
Native range
Kew records a native range from southeastern Canada through the United States to Mexico, the Greater Antilles and Colombia. Kew Plants of the World Online
Flowers and wildlife
NC State identifies beetles and bees as pollinators. Phorid flies are also recorded as flower visitors, but visitation alone is not evidence that they pollinate the plant. NC State Extension
A growing note
Rhizomes can spread vigorously. In a small water garden, planting baskets help contain the plant's growth. NC State Extension
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Flowering dates vary with location and growing conditions.