Nuphar spp.
yellow pond-lilies
Temperate North America, Europe, and northern Asia
Overview
Nuphar spp. is a genus of about 10 to 15 species of aquatic perennials in the water-lily family, Nymphaeaceae, native to ponds, lakes, and slow rivers across the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Plants grow from stout, branching rhizomes anchored in the mud, sending up long-stalked leaves that float on or rise just above the water surface. The leaf blades are heart-shaped to oval, 10-40 cm (4-16 in) long, leathery and bright green, with thin submerged leaves also present in some species. The flowers are held on stiff stalks at or above the surface and are cup- or globe-shaped, 2-6 cm (0.8-2.4 in) across, formed of five to six thick yellow sepals enclosing many small petals and a flask-shaped central disc. They open over the warm months and give off a faint alcoholic or brandy-like scent, which gives rise to the name brandy-bottle. The flask-shaped fruit ripens above water and releases seeds that float away. Plants spread by rhizome and seed and can fill shallow water, crowding out other aquatics in still ponds.
Native Range
Nuphar spp. occurs across the temperate Northern Hemisphere, in North America, Europe, and northern Asia, growing in still and slow-moving fresh water from lowland ponds to mountain lakes. Several species are widespread, while others are restricted to particular river systems.Suggested Uses
Nuphar spp. is grown in large ponds, lakes, and naturalized water gardens for its floating foliage and yellow summer flowers, and for the cover and habitat it gives fish and wildlife. It suits deeper or moving water where true water-lilies struggle. The rhizomes and seeds have been used as food by some indigenous peoples.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread2' - 5'
Bloom Information
Flowering runs through the warm months, May to September, with single flowers opening for several days each. The yellow cups are pollinated by flies and small beetles drawn by the faint alcoholic scent. Seed capsules ripen above water and break apart to release floating seeds.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Bright greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Nuphar spp. grows in still or slowly flowing fresh water 0.3-2.5 m (1-8 ft) deep, rooted in soft mud or loam in full sun to part shade. Plants tolerate murky, low-oxygen water and seasonal changes in level that defeat many aquatics. They spread by thick rhizomes and can colonize a pond, so confinement to a planting basket limits their reach. The rhizomes are hardy and overwinter in mud below the ice line, with foliage dying back in cold seasons. Flowering is reduced in deep shade and in very deep water. Established stands need little care beyond thinning crowded rhizomes.Pruning
Yellowing leaves and spent flower stalks are removed at the surface to keep the water clear. Crowded plantings are thinned by lifting and dividing the rhizomes in late spring. Plants grown in baskets are root-pruned every few years to control their spread.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons