Nelumbo lutea

Nelumbo lutea, also known as the American lotus, yellow lotus, or volée, is a plant in the genus Nelumbo. It is found in North America.

 Description 
The American lotus, like the Sacred Lotus, is an aquatic plant whose roots sink into the mud, while the flower and leaves emerge from the surface of the water. It grows in lakes and swamps, as well as areas prone to floods.

Flowering begins in late spring and may continue into the summer. The specific name means "yellow" in Latin and refers to the flowers, which may be white to pale yellow. The flowers measure 18–28 cm (7.1–11.0 in) in diameter and have 22-25 petals.

 Distribution 
The native distribution of the American lotus is Minnesota to Oklahoma, Florida, Mexico, Honduras, and the Caribbean.

 Ecology 
It is the larval host plant of the American lotus borer, Ostrinia penitalis.

 Gallery 

 Related pages 

 Nelumbo nucifera — a more iconic lotus native to much of Asia
 Nelumbo aureavallis — an extinct species of lotus
 Nelumbo

 References 

Category:Proteales
Category:Aquatic plants