August_2006

American Lotus
Nelumbo lutea

This large, beautiful wetland plant often carpets mudflats or shallow bodies of water. The leaves and flowers
usually extend beyond the surface of the water. The pale yellow flowers are up to 10 inches across and the
large round leaves have diameters of 2 feet or more. The stamens fall shortly after the flowers open, but the
flower may persist for a few days. American lotus is found in scattered locales across Tennessee where
conditions are right.
Native Americans would roast the seeds which would pop like popcorn, as well as utilize the starchy
rootstocks for food.