Family: Nymphaeaceae
Author: Aiton
Bibliography: Hort. Kew. 2: 227 (1789)
Year: 1789
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Nymphaea
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. Canada to Niacaragua, Bahamas, Cuba
Description
The Fragrant water-lily, scientifically known as Nymphaea odorata, is a captivating aquatic plant renowned for its enchanting fragrance and delicate beauty. Originally documented in 1789 by Aiton in “Hortus Kewensis” (volume 2, page 227), this species has since become a beloved presence in water bodies across various regions.
Belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family, the Fragrant water-lily flourishes in the still or slow-moving waters of ponds, lakes, and rivers. It is native to a broad range extending from Central and Eastern Canada to Nicaragua, and it also graces the waters of the Bahamas and Cuba.
This perennial plant is characterized by its floating leaves, which are round and waxy, providing a perfect platform for the stunning blooms that rise above the water surface. The flowers of Nymphaea odorata are truly a spectacle to behold, typically opening in the early morning to reveal brilliant white petals surrounding a golden yellow center. As the name suggests, these blossoms exude a pleasant, sweet scent, adding an aromatic delight to their visual appeal.
The Fragrant water-lily plays an essential role in its ecosystem, offering both aesthetic value and practical benefits. It provides a habitat for aquatic insects and a resting place for small creatures. Its root system helps to stabilize sediment in the water, contributing to the overall health of the aquatic environment.
Cultivating Nymphaea odorata in garden ponds or water features can bring a touch of natural elegance and a soothing fragrance to any landscape. It thrives best in sunny locations with ample water depth and can be propagated by dividing its rhizomes. With its resilience and low maintenance needs, the Fragrant water-lily remains a popular choice for aquatic plant enthusiasts and horticulturists alike.
Common Names
Eng: american waterlily, american white waterlily, fragrant water-lily, white waterlily, american water-lily, american white water-lily, fragrant white water-lily, water nymph
Swe: doftnäckros
Fra: nymphéa odorant, lis d’eau, lis d’eau blanc, nymphée odorante, nénuphar blanc
En: Fragrant water-lily, American white waterlily, Fragrant waterlily, American White Water-Lily, AMERICAN WATERLILY, WHITE WATERLILY, American water-lily, Fragrant white water-lily, Water nymph
Zh: 香睡蓮
Fr: Nymphée odorante, Nymphéa odorant, Lis d’eau, Lis d’eau blanc, Nénuphar blanc
De: Wohlriechende Seerose
Fa: نیلوفر آبی بیدستر
Sv: Doftnäckros
Ta: குவளை
Synonyms
- Castalia odorata ((Aiton) Wood)
- Leuconymphaea odorata ((Aiton) MacMill.)
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Delaware (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kansas (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Mississippi (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
- Arizona (introduced)
- Brazil North (introduced)
- Brazil South (introduced)
- Brazil Southeast (introduced)
- British Columbia (introduced)
- California (introduced)
- Colorado (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Guyana (introduced)
- Idaho (introduced)
- Montana (introduced)
- Nevada (introduced)
- New Mexico (introduced)
- Oregon (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Suriname (introduced)
- Utah (introduced)
- Washington (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Jul 27, 2017 by Joke Gorter (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2021 by K O (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 28, 2021 by Vanessa Chase (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jan 31, 2021 by Alban THIBAULT (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2018 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2020 by Ken Borgfeldt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 19, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 3, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Sep 20, 2014 by EOL − faerthen (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 3, 2014 by EOL − Mark Rosenstein (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 24, 2014 by EOL − roy pilcher (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 15, 2014 by EOL − Mark Rosenstein (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 6, 2014 by EOL − Kent McFarland (cc-by-nc)
Other
Taken May 21, 2019 by Alejandro Serrano (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:171201-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2882412)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Nymphaea odorata Aiton)
Specifications
Growth habit: Forb/herb