American White Waterlily
Nymphaea odorata
Also listed as Leuconymphaea odorata, Castalia odorata
Also known as Fragrant Water Lily, Fragrant White Water-lily, American Water-lily
Climate Match for your location
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A fragrant aquatic perennial with white flowers and floating round leaves, ideal for ponds and water gardens. Blooms from summer through early fall and provides excellent coverage for water surfaces.
Why grow it
Nymphaea odorata distinguishes itself among native North American waterlilies through its notably fragrant flowers and reliable hardiness across temperate zones. Unlike tropical waterlily cultivars, it requires no winter protection in most climates and establishes readily from rhizomes in natural and constructed wetlands. The species provides substantial surface coverage and aquatic habitat value while tolerating the full-sun exposure that many ornamental pond plants require.
Watch out for
This species spreads vigorously once established and can monopolize pond space if not actively managed through periodic rhizome thinning or containment in planting baskets. Very shallow water (under 6 inches) may stress the plant, while excessive nutrient loading from runoff can trigger algae blooms that outcompete the waterlily for light. Flowering performance declines noticeably in consistently shaded conditions despite the plant's general hardiness.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A fragrant aquatic perennial with white flowers and floating round leaves, ideal for ponds and water gardens. Blooms from summer through early fall and provides excellent coverage for water surfaces.
Climate Match for your location
See how well American White Waterlily grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Nymphaea odorata distinguishes itself among native North American waterlilies through its notably fragrant flowers and reliable hardiness across temperate zones. Unlike tropical waterlily cultivars, it requires no winter protection in most climates and establishes readily from rhizomes in natural and constructed wetlands. The species provides substantial surface coverage and aquatic habitat value while tolerating the full-sun exposure that many ornamental pond plants require.
Watch out for
This species spreads vigorously once established and can monopolize pond space if not actively managed through periodic rhizome thinning or containment in planting baskets. Very shallow water (under 6 inches) may stress the plant, while excessive nutrient loading from runoff can trigger algae blooms that outcompete the waterlily for light. Flowering performance declines noticeably in consistently shaded conditions despite the plant's general hardiness.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Ground cover
Low spreading plants that carpet the soil.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar ground covers you might consider:
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