Tuberous Water Lily
Nymphaea tuberosa
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Pl. 1EEE — Nymphaea tuberosa
Nymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosaNymphaea tuberosa
IOverview
Overview
Tuberous Water Lily (Nymphaea tuberosa) is a perennial forb that thrives in full sun and water environments, with preferences for light to medium soil types. Native to regions including Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Manitoba, Massachusetts, and Michigan, this plant has been recognized for its edible roots and seeds. Its distinctive feature lies in the tuberous nature of its root system, which stores nutrients and aids in its survival through harsh winters. Hardy in zones 3-7, Tuberous Water Lily can be found growing in various habitats across North America, from Connecticut to Wisconsin.
Quick answers
What is Tuberous Water Lily?
Tuberous Water Lily (Nymphaea tuberosa) is a perennial forb that thrives in full sun and water environments, with preferences for light to medium soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Tuberous Water Lily thrives in full sun and requires water for its cultivation. It prefers light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. Hardy in zones 3-7, this perennial is suited to temperate regions. Propagation can be done through root or seed. For best results, ensure the plant has ample sunlight and consistent moisture.
Light
Full sun
Water
Water
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
For first-time growers
How to grow Tuberous Water Lily for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple setup to grow Tuberous Water Lilies, focusing on basic care and maintenance.
- 1
What you'll need
A container or pond, water lily tubers, potting soil suitable for aquatic plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the water temperature is above 60°F (15°C).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Fill a container with about two-thirds of light, medium, or heavy potting soil. Ensure it has good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Place the tubers on top of the soil, cover them lightly, and add water to submerge the roots slightly.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the container in a sunny spot. Monitor for signs of growth; it may take up to 2 weeks.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure, keep the water level consistent, and fertilize with aquatic plant fertilizer every few months.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead leaves and flowers to maintain a healthy appearance. Harvest roots if needed for replanting.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootSeed
Edible uses: The Tuberous Water Lily's root and seeds are edible. The roots can be eaten raw or cooked, while the seeds are often prepared by drying before consumption. Both parts add a unique flavor to dishes.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 22 native
Broader regions
native:Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec, Vermont, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Manitoba, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Massachusetts, Masachusettes, New Hampshire, New York
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 1eee5703-a250-49d0-b8f4-2998ff6e0fc9
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