American Lotus Identification & Treatment
Scientific Name: Nelumbo lutea Category: Emergent/Floating Tier: 3 — Localized — Limited geographic range or lower frequency
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Identification
American lotus has very large (1–2 feet diameter), round, blue-green leaves that are typically held above the water surface (unlike water lily leaves, which float flat). Leaves are peltate (stalk attaches to center) and water beads on the waxy surface. Produces large (6–10 inch), showy pale yellow flowers. The distinctive seed pod (shaped like a shower head) persists through winter. Key distinguishing features:
- Very large, round leaves often held above water (cupped shape)
- Water beads and rolls on leaf surface
- Large pale yellow flowers
- Distinctive "shower head" seed pod
Treatment
- Navigate Granular (2,4-D) — Systemic granular, most effective for lotus.
- Glyphosate 5.4 — Applied to emergent leaves.
Note: Lotus has very thick rhizomes that are difficult to kill. Multi-year treatment is common.
Full Profile
- Native Range: Native to North America
- US Distribution: Eastern and central US. USDA Zones 4–10.
- Regulatory Status: Not regulated (native). Protected in some states.
- Habitat: Ponds, lakes, slow rivers. Grows in 1–6 feet of water in soft bottom sediment.
- Reproduction: Thick rhizomes and seed.
- Ecological Benefits: Highly valuable. Seeds eaten by waterfowl and wildlife. Large leaves provide shade and fish habitat. Flowers are important pollinator resources. Rhizomes eaten by muskrat and beaver. In most situations, American lotus should be managed selectively rather than eliminated.
Sources: Texas A&M AquaPlant | USDA PLANTS Database
Related Species
- Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) — Emergent, Tier 3
- European Frog's-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae) — Floating, Tier 3
- Starry Stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) — Algae-like (macroalga), Tier 3
- Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) — Emergent, Tier 3
- Smartweed (Persicaria spp. (formerly Polygonum)) — Emergent, Tier 3
- Mosquito Fern (Azolla) (Azolla spp.) — Floating, Tier 3
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