American Lotus is one of the most spectacular aquatic plants in North America, with enormous pale-yellow flowers up to 10 inches across and large, umbrella-like leaves that repel water. The seeds are extraordinarily long-lived; lotus seeds buried for 1,300 years have germinated. The seeds, roots, and young leaves were important food sources for indigenous peoples.
Habitat
Shallow lakes, ponds, and slow rivers in the eastern and central United States
Diet
Seeds and roots eaten by wood ducks, mallards, and other waterfowl
How common
Uncommon
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