Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Water Lily

Nymphaea odorata
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: White
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data

Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Wet, Aquatic
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Cover
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

1 to
inches

Spread:

6 to
9
feet
Size
Height: 1 to
inches
Spread: 6 to
9
feet
Size
Height: 1 to
inches
Spread: 6 to
9
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Use in medium to large ponds.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Plant in water up to 5 ft. deep.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description

This hardy water plant has white fragrant flowers with yellow centers which grow 6 to 12 in. across. Flowers are only open during daylight hours. Round emerald green leaves float at water level. Waterfowl and a number of mammals eat various parts of the plant and the leaves provide good cover for fish. Grass carp eat it.

Where Should I Start?

Check out the Grow Native! Committee’s Top Ten picks of native plants for a particular purpose.

What’s the Next Step?

Picked out your plants? View our Resource Guide of garden centers, seed sources, landscapers, education resources, and more!

Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

Support the Grow Native! Program
Skip to content