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American Lotus (Nelumbo Lutea)

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American Lotus (Nelumbo Lutea)

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The American Lotus (Nelumbo Lutea) is generally described as a perennial forb/herb. This dicot (dicotyledon) is native to the U.S. (United States) has its most active growth period in the summer . The American Lotus has green foliage and inconspicuous yellow flowers, with a moderate amount of conspicuous brown fruits or seeds. The greatest bloom is usually observed in the mid summer, with fruit and seed production starting in the summer and continuing until fall. Leaves are not retained year to year. The American Lotus has a long life span relative to most other plant species and a moderate growth rate. At maturity, the typical American Lotus will reach up to 3 feet high, with a maximum height at 20 years of 0 inches.

The American Lotus is easily found in nurseries, garden stores and other plant dealers and distributors. It can be propagated by bare root, bulbs, seed. It has a moderate ability to spread through seed production and the seedlings have medium vigor. Note that cold stratification is not required for seed germination and the plant cannot survive exposure to temperatures below -36°F. American Lotus has none tolerance to drought and restricted water conditions.

Plant Basics
Category Dicot
Growth Rate Moderate
General Type Forb/herb
Growth Period Summer
Growth Duration Perennial
Lifespan Long
Plant Nativity Native to U.S.
Commercial Availability Routinely Available
Physical Characteristics
Bloom Period Mid Summer
Displays Fall Colors No
Shape/Growth Form Rhizomatous
Drought Tolerance None
Shade Tolerance Intolerant
Height When Mature 3
Vegetative Spread Rapid
Flower Color Yellow
Flower Conspicuousness Yes
Fruit/Seed Abundance Medium
Fruit/Seed Seasonality Summer Fall
Seed Spread Rate Moderate
Gardening Characteristics
Propagations (Ways to Grow) Bare Root, Bulbs, Seed
Moisture Requirements High
Cold Stratification Required No
Minimum Temperature -36
Soil Depth for Roots 12
Toxic to Nearby Plants No
Toxic to Livestock No
After-Harvest Resprout Ability No
Responds to Coppicing No
Growth Requirements
pH Range 4.6–7.4 pH
Precipitation Range 0–0 inches/yr
Planting Density 302–1746 indiv./acre
Soil Textures Coarse, Fine, Medium
Soil Depth for Roots 12
Minimum Frost-Free Days 130 day(s)
Salinity Tolerance None
CaCO3 Tolerance Medium
Sustainability & Use
Leaf Retention No
Fire Resistant No

Source: USDA, NRCS, PLANTS Database, plants.usda.gov.
National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA

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Plant Name Synonyms
  • Nelumbium luteum
  • Nelumbo pentapetala
USDA Plant Status
  • Northeast U.S.: Obligate Wetland
  • Southeast U.S.: Obligate Wetland
  • North Central U.S.: Obligate Wetland
  • Central Plains U.S.: Obligate Wetland
  • South Plains U.S.: Obligate Wetland
  • Federal: Obligate Wetland
  • Connecticut: Potentially invasive, banned
  • New Jersey: Endangered
  • Pennsylvania: Endangered
  • Michigan: Threatened
Plant Distribution
American Lotus can be found in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin