Spatterdock
Nuphar polysepala
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Pl. AA3D — Nuphar polysepala
Nuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepalaNuphar polysepala
IOverview
Overview
Spatterdock (Nuphar polysepala) is a perennial herb that thrives in full to partial sun and requires water habitats such as ponds or wetlands. Native to regions including Alaska, Aleutian Islands, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and Yukon, this plant is known for its edible root and seeds. Standing up to 1.8 meters tall, spatterdock can be found in various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) conditions with a pH range of 5 to 8. Its distinctive feature lies in its ability to grow in water environments, making it an interesting addition to any wetland or pond garden.
Quick answers
What is Spatterdock?
Spatterdock (Nuphar polysepala) is a perennial herb that thrives in full to partial sun and requires water habitats such as ponds or wetlands.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Spatterdock thrives in full to partial sun and requires a waterlogged environment, making it ideal for pond or bog gardens. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 5 and 8. This perennial grows up to 1.8 meters tall and is hardy in zones 4-8. For propagation, divide the roots in early spring or take stem cuttings. Edible parts include the root and seed, which can be harvested after the plant has matured.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
1.8 m tall
Soil pH
5–8
For first-time growers
How to grow Spatterdock for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple water garden to grow Spatterdock, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
A large container or pond, aquatic planting medium, and spatterdock plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring when the water temperature is above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a container with at least 60 cm of water depth, filled with aquatic planting medium.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant spatterdock plants directly into the prepared container, ensuring they are submerged to their roots.
- 5
First two weeks
Monitor water temperature and ensure it stays above 10°C (50°F) for proper growth. Keep the container in full sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, keep the water level consistent, and avoid overfertilization.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health. Harvest roots in late summer for culinary use.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overfertilizing, planting too deep, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting water temperature.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootSeed
Edible uses: The root and seeds of Spatterdock are edible. The roots can be harvested and prepared by boiling or roasting before consumption. Seeds can be eaten raw or toasted. Both parts are typically dried for later use. Skip the specific preparation methods if you're not sure about them.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 16 native
Americas1 region
native (1)United States
Broader regions
native:Aleutian Is., Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Northwest Territorie, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Yukon
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · aa3d8522-61ef-41b6-8cff-9d10770ba42f
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