Synonyms: Lotus Lily, Water Chinquapin.
American Lotus occurs over much of the eastern and midwestern United States and also in California. Introduced and native populations have been expanding in the Chesapeake Bay possibly due to increased nutrients throughout the bay watershed. The nativity of these expanding populations is often blurred. Populations off of the Coastal Plain (Rocky Gap SP) and many singular pond (Lake Reddington) populations are considered non-native.
American Lotus is a perennial, aquatic herb with very large, bowl-shaped leaves. These are usually held 1 foot or more above the water level, in a peltate (umbrella-like) manner. The flowers are solitary, huge (4-8 inches across), and pale yellow (in contrast to the Asian lotus, which has pinkish flowers). The fruits are embedded in pits in a receptacle that has a characteristic showerhead-like appearance.
The quiet waters of sluggish rivers and ponds are the habitat of American Lotus. A good place to look for it is at Mattawoman Creek Natural Area, in Charles County (a Maryland DNR site).
There are 61 records in the project database.
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