Tag: Aquatic gardening

While both the water lily and lotus are celebrated aquatic plants with showy flowers, a key botanical fact is that they belong to different plant families. This crucial distinction explains their many differences in appearance, growth, and biology, despite their similar watery habitats.

Over 60 species of water lilies (Nymphaea) exist worldwide, cherished for their vibrant colors and tranquil presence in ponds and lakes. But what can you do with water lilies beyond their aesthetic appeal? These versatile aquatic plants offer a surprising array of practical, ecological, culinary, and even medicinal uses.

Yes, Native Americans historically relied on the American water lotus ($Nelumbo lutea$) as a vital food source, demonstrating its long history of edibility. In fact, virtually every part of the American water lotus, from the root to the seeds, can be consumed, making it a highly useful and versatile wild food.