Yellow waterlily Nuphar lutea
ABOUT
has leathery leaves, slightly oval in shape, to 40cm across. Yellow, cupped flowers are borne on stalks rising above the water from early summer to early autumn; the plant gets one of its common names, "brandy bottle" from their scent
About this plant
NamesFamily
Nymphaeaceae.
Synonyms
Yellow Water-lily, Yellow Pond-lily, Brandy-bottle, Spatterdock, Cow Lily, Yellow Cow-lily, Water Nymph, Yellow Water Nymph.
Common names
Nymphaea lutea, Nuphar luteum, Nuphar intermedium, Nuphar ruprechtii, Nuphar pumilum, Nuphar lutea var. pumila, Nuphar lutea var. macrophylla, Nuphar lutea subsp. pumila, Castalia lutea, Castalia speciosa, Castalia pumila, Nymphaea pumila, Nelumbium luteum, Nuphar lutea var. ruprechtii.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
5 feet [1.52 meters]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Eurasia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ecosystem Support: Nuphar lutea, commonly known as Yellow Water-lily, provides habitat and shelter for aquatic organisms including fish and invertebrates.
- Water Quality Improvement: The Yellow Water-lily plays a role in stabilizing sediment and reducing erosion, which helps maintain clearer water.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its distinct floating leaves and yellow flowers, Nuphar lutea adds visual interest and natural beauty to ponds and water gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers and seeds of the Yellow Water-lily are a source of food for wildlife such as ducks and other water birds.
- Shade Provider: The broad leaves of the Yellow Water-lily create shade over the water, which can help reduce the growth of algae and provide a cooler environment for fish.
- Cultural and Historical Significance: The Yellow Water-lily has been appreciated in various cultures for its beauty and has been featured in art and literature.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: Nuphar lutea, commonly known as yellow pond lily, contains compounds that may have antioxidant properties.
- Antibacterial: Extracts from the plant have shown antibacterial activity in some studies, particularly against certain strains of bacteria.
- Astringent: Traditionally, the yellow pond lily has been used for its astringent properties to tighten tissues and reduce secretion or bleeding.
- Anodyne: There is historical use of the plant as an anodyne to help alleviate pain.
- Antispasmodic: Nuphar lutea has been used in folk medicine as an antispasmodic to relieve muscle spasms or cramps.
- Sedative: Some traditional medicine practices have used the yellow pond lily as a sedative to help induce relaxation and sleep.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Nuphar lutea, commonly known as yellow pond lily, has been used as a source of yellow and green dye, with different parts of the plant providing varying shades.
- The rhizomes of yellow pond lily can be processed to create a starchy flour-like substance, which historically was used as a supplemental food source.
- The seeds of yellow pond lily are sometimes roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute, although this is not a common practice.
- The large leaves of the yellow pond lily have historically been used as a natural wrapping material for food or other items, providing a biodegradable option.
- The dried seed pods of yellow pond lily have been used in floral arrangements and crafts for their unique aesthetic.
- In some cultures, yellow pond lily has been used as fishing bait due to its attractive scent and texture that can lure fish.
- Yellow pond lily seeds, when crushed, can be used as a natural soap due to saponins contained within them, which create a lathering effect.
- The fibrous parts of the plant, such as roots and stems, have been used in weaving or as binding materials in traditional handcrafts.
- Yellow pond lily's buoyant and waterproof qualities allow its use in small-scale water reclamation projects to reduce erosion and stabilize shorelines.
- The plant has been part of water garden design for its ornamental value, contributing to the aesthetic and ecological diversity of ponds and water features.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiYellow water lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityYellow water lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Fertility: Nuphar lutea, commonly known as Yellow Water-lily, often symbolizes fertility due to its prolific growth in water and the way it spreads across the surface, suggesting abundance and birth.
- Peace: The serene appearance of the Yellow Water-lily as it floats on calm waters leads to its association with peace, tranquility, and calmness.
- Enlightenment: Similar to other lotus family plants, the Yellow Water-lily's emergence from murky waters to bloom beautifully can represent spiritual enlightenment and purity of heart.
- Creation: In certain cultural myths and legends, the Yellow Water-lily is connected with creation stories, often serving as a symbol of the emergence of life and the universe.
WaterThe Yellow Pond Lily, commonly known as Nuphar lutea, is an aquatic plant, hence watering it differs from terrestrial plants. It should be planted in water at a depth between 1 and 3 feet to ensure the roots are fully submerged. Since it lives in water, traditional watering is unnecessary. However, it's essential to maintain consistent water levels in the pond or water garden to provide a stable environment. The water surrounding the plant will typically suffice, so additional watering is typically not needed unless the water levels drop due to evaporation or leakage, in which case, the pond should be topped up to maintain the appropriate depth.
LightThe Yellow Pond Lily thrives in full sunlight to partial shade, making it suited for a variety of pond settings. For optimal growth, place the plant where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, although it can tolerate some shade during the afternoon. Avoiding deep shade is crucial to prevent the Yellow Pond Lily from becoming leggy as it reaches for light.
TemperatureThe Yellow Pond Lily favors temperate climates and does well in a range of temperatures. It can survive in temperatures as low as 32°F (the freezing point) and as high as around 86°F. Ideally, maintaining a temperature between 50°F and 77°F will promote healthy growth and flowering. Temperatures outside these ranges can stress the plant and affect its vitality.
PruningPruning the Yellow Pond Lily involves removing dead or yellowing leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's appearance. This can be done as needed throughout the growing season. The best time for major pruning is during late winter or early spring, just before the growing season begins. Additionally, removing old foliage in fall helps to keep ponds clean and prevents decay in the water.
CleaningAs needed
SoilYellow Pond Lily thrives best in loamy or clay soils that are rich in organic matter. For the best soil mix, use a combination of loamy garden soil, peat, and sand to ensure good root spread and nutrient absorption. The pH of the soil should ideally be between 6.0 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
RepottingYellow Pond Lilies do not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when the plant has outgrown its container or pot to ensure continued growth and optimal health.
Humidity & MistingYellow Pond Lily flourishes in high humidity environments often found naturally over water bodies. The ideal humidity level for this aquatic plant is above 60%, mirroring their natural habitat in calm freshwater settings.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Yellow Pond Lilies are not suitable for indoor growth.
Outdoor
Plant Yellow Pond Lily in still or slow-moving water bodies.
Hardiness zone
3-10 USDA
Life cycleThe Yellow Water-lily (Nuphar lutea), begins its life cycle as a seed which germinates in spring in mud or shallow water, setting down roots while sending up shoots towards the water surface. Seedling leaves initially float on the water surface, and as the plant matures, it develops large, floating leaves and a robust, submerged rhizome system. Throughout the spring and summer, the Yellow Water-lily produces distinct flowers that float on the water's surface; these are pollinated by insects, leading to seed set. After pollination, the fruit, a bottle-shaped capsule, develops underwater, releasing seeds once ripe. In autumn, the aerial parts of the plant die back, while the rhizome remains dormant underwater throughout the winter. Each spring, new growth emerges from the perennial rhizomes, continuing the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Yellow Pond Lily, or Nuphar lutea, is by dividing the rhizomes. This is best done in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Gardeners should gently lift the rhizomes from the pond and use a sharp knife to cut them into sections, each with at least one growth point or "eye." These sections are then replanted into pots with aquatic planting media and submerged in water at a depth that allows the new growth to reach the surface, typically between 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters). As the weather warms up, the new plants will establish themselves and begin to produce leaves and eventually flowers. Care should be taken to avoid overcrowding by providing enough space for the new plants to spread.
