Seasonal Wild Flowers

White Water-lily

Nymphaea alba

Nymphaeaceae

June to September

It is found throughout the country, but less common in the Northeast.

For a map see the National Biodiversity Network Gateway

It grows in lakes, ponds, canals and large ditches,

White Water-lily is an attractive, native, perennial, rhizomatous,

floating herb.

Flowers are white, up to 20cm, floating on the surface of the wate

r on stalks up to 3m long.

There are 4 lanceolate sepals and 20-25 white petals.

They have a large number of conspicuous yellow stamens, the

outer of which have petaloid filaments.

Flowers only open in sunshine.

The pink varieties are probably planted.

Leaves are divided at the base, oval to round and up to 35cm.

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White Water-lilies, Lancaster canal

Single flower -lanceolate sepals

Yellow stamens - petaloid outer filaments

Leaves and flower stems

Pink variety