Yellow Water Lily is a native aquatic plant of the southern United States and Mexico, producing bright, canary-yellow flowers that stay open longer than most water lilies. It has floating, oval to nearly circular leaves with mottled markings on the upper surface. Found in still to slow-moving water in ponds, lakes, and ditches from Florida to Texas and into Mexico, it spreads by rhizomes and can form large colonies. It is a beautiful native alternative to exotic water garden plants in warm climates.
Best time to see a Yellow Water Lily
The best time to see a Yellow Water Lily is April–July, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 450 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Yellow Water Lily? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Yellow Water Lily sightings near you
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