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.
Best time to see a American Lotus
The best time to see a American Lotus is May–August, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 9,648 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a American Lotus? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent American Lotus sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
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