Common Name(s): | American lotus, Yellow lotus, Lotus |
Scientific Name: | Nelumbo lutea |
Family: | Nelumbonaceae |
Growth Traits: | Native, perennial, warm season |
Description: Often confused with water lily, American lotus has a round leaf that grows to over 2 feet wide but has no natural slit
in the leaf. In summer, the plant produces a large yellow-white flower above the water. American lotus is used in landscaping and in flower arrangements. The plant provides good habitat for invertebrates, which are eaten by
fish and waterfowl. The tubers were used as a food source by Native Americans, and the seeds have been known to be eaten by waterfowl. This plant can be very aggressive and hard to control once established. It usually does
not grow in water deeper than 7 feet. |
Chemical Control Options: 2,4-D, triclopyr, glyphosate, endothall or imazamox. |
Mechanical Control Options: Cutting is only temporarily effective due to rhizomatic growth. |
Biological Control Options: There is not a good biological control option. |