San Joaquin Valley. Seed disperses by floating. Seed does not survive drying and must be submerged to germinate. Fragrant waterlily grows in acidic to alkaline waters and has rhizomes that can tolerate some desiccation. Seed germination in fragrant waterlily requires light and the presence of ethylene, a gas whose production is stimulated when seeds are crowded together.
Germination is enhanced by cold stratification for several months.
This species is widely dispersed and expected to expand range.