Family: Nymphaeaceae
Author: Engelm.
Bibliography: Trans. Acad. Sci. St. Louis 2: 282 (1866)
Year: 1866
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Nuphar
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic America to W. & WC. U.S.A.
Description
The Rocky Mountain Cowlily, scientifically known as Nuphar polysepala, is a remarkable aquatic plant belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family. First documented in 1866 by the renowned botanist George Engelmann, this species has since stood out due to its distinctive ecological niche and broad geographical range.
This intriguing plant thrives primarily in Subarctic America and extends its reach into the western and west-central regions of the United States. The Rocky Mountain Cowlily is characterized by its notable ability to adapt to various aquatic environments, making it a resilient species in the face of changing climate conditions and habitat alteration.
Nuphar polysepala is easily identifiable by its striking yellow flowers, which emerge prominently above the water’s surface. These vibrant blooms not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of northern and western aquatic landscapes but also play a crucial role in local ecosystems. The flowers provide essential habitat and food sources for various aquatic and terrestrial organisms, including insects and birds.
The plant’s broad, floating leaves are another distinctive feature, offering shelter and breeding grounds for fish and other aquatic creatures. By maintaining water quality and stabilizing sediment, the Rocky Mountain Cowlily contributes significantly to the health of its aquatic habitats, illustrating the interconnectedness of species within its ecosystem.
Overall, the Rocky Mountain Cowlily (Nuphar polysepala) is a quintessential example of North America’s diverse and intricately balanced natural world. Its widespread presence from subarctic to temperate regions, coupled with its ecological importance, underscores the critical need for ongoing conservation efforts to preserve such valuable species and their habitats.
Common Names
Eng: rocky mountain pond-lily, rocky mountain cow-lily, yellow pond-lily
Fra: nénuphar à sépales nombreux, nénufar à sépales nombreux
En: ROCKY MOUNTAIN COWLILY, Rocky Mountain pond-lily, Rocky Mountain pondlily, Yellow pondlily, Rocky Mountain cow-lily, Yellow pond-lily
Fr: Nénuphar à sépales nombreux, Nénufar à sépales nombreux
Synonyms
- Castalia polysepala ((Engelm.) Greene)
- Nymphaea polysepala ((Engelm.) Kuntze)
- Nymphozanthus polysepalus ((Engelm.) Fernald)
- Nuphar polysepala var. picta (Engelm.)
- Nuphar lutea subsp. polysepala ((Engelm.) Beal)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Aleutian Is. (native)
- Arizona (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Aug 18, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 1, 1995 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/6434926)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1021676-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nuphar polysepala Engelm.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Rapid
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 5.0