Nelumbo lutea American water lotus (Nelumbonaceae)

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Nelumbo lutea
American water lotus
(1 Page of 5)

The Nelumbo lutea plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Massachusetts to Minnesota, Nebraska and Louisiana. It is a member of the Nelumbonaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as American water lotus. Some home gardeners know the variety as N. pentapentala. Nelumbium luteum

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Nelumbo lutea
Common Name:  American water lotus
Family:  Nelumbonaceae
Author:  (Willd.)Pers.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  1.8   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Ponds, slow streams and estuaries[43]. This species is almost extinct in the wild[213].

Edible Uses: Root - cooked[1, 43, 46, 55, 159]. It is usually steeped in water prior to cooking in order to remove any bitterness[2]. The root is rich in starch[177], when baked it becomes sweet and mealy[95, 101], somewhat like a sweet potato[183]. The root is usually harvested in the autumn and will store for several months[257]. Leaves and young stems - cooked[62, 95, 101, 183]. Seed - raw or cooked[43, 46, 55, 95, 101]. A very agreeable taste[2, 159]. The seed can be dried, ground into a powder and used for making bread, thickening soups etc or can be eaten dry[62, 183]. The bitter tasting embryo is often removed. The half-ripe seed is said to be delicious raw or cooked, with a taste like chestnuts[183]. The seed contains up to 19% protein[213]. An edible oil can be extracted from the seed[207].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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