Yellow Water-lily
Nuphar lutea
Also listed as Nenuphar luteum, Nuphar affinis
Also known as Yellow Pond-lily, Brandy Bottle, Yellow Cowlily
Climate Match for your location
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A hardy aquatic perennial with floating green leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom just above the water surface. Ideal for ponds and slow-moving water features.
Why grow it
Yellow water-lily is a hardy native alternative to tropical water-lilies in temperate climates, thriving in zones 3-11 with minimal winter protection. Unlike many ornamental aquatics, it tolerates cooler water, shallow margins, and moving water better than related species, making it practical for ponds and streams where other lilies fail. It also produces edible rhizomes and seeds that waterfowl consume readily.
Watch out for
In productive pond environments, yellow water-lily can spread vigorously via rhizome fragmentation and seed dispersal, potentially outcompeting slower-growing species. Periodic division every 3-4 years helps maintain balance in smaller water features. The plant prefers water 1-4 feet deep; in shallower conditions it may crowd out other vegetation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe and temperate Asia
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Root layer
Root crops and the underground layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A hardy aquatic perennial with floating green leaves and bright yellow flowers that bloom just above the water surface. Ideal for ponds and slow-moving water features.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Yellow Water-lily grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Yellow water-lily is a hardy native alternative to tropical water-lilies in temperate climates, thriving in zones 3-11 with minimal winter protection. Unlike many ornamental aquatics, it tolerates cooler water, shallow margins, and moving water better than related species, making it practical for ponds and streams where other lilies fail. It also produces edible rhizomes and seeds that waterfowl consume readily.
Watch out for
In productive pond environments, yellow water-lily can spread vigorously via rhizome fragmentation and seed dispersal, potentially outcompeting slower-growing species. Periodic division every 3-4 years helps maintain balance in smaller water features. The plant prefers water 1-4 feet deep; in shallower conditions it may crowd out other vegetation.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Nymphaeaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Europe and temperate Asia
Native to: Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Root layer
Root crops and the underground layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar root crops you might consider:
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