Nymphaea alba White water lily (Nymphaeaceae)

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Nymphaea alba
White water lily
(1 Page of 5)

The Nymphaea alba plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Nymphaeaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as White water lily. Some home gardeners know the variety as N. occidentalis. Castalia alba. C. speciosa.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Nymphaea alba
Common Name:  White water lily
Family:  Nymphaeaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  One report suggests that the plant is poisonous but gives no further details[19]. The plant contains the toxic alkaloids nupharine and nymphaeine, these substances have an effect on the nervous system[240].

Mature Height:     Mature Width:  3

Habitat:  Marshes, ponds, slow moving streams, lakes and canals up to 1.2m deep[7, 9, 17].

Cultivation Notes: A water plant requiring a rich soil and a sunny position in still or slowly moving water[56, 200]. Best grown in 2 - 2.5 metres of water[200]. Prefers a pH between 6 and 7[200]. Dislikes acid conditions according to another report. This species is hardy to about -20°c[187]. There are two basic types of plant in this genus:- 'crawlers' are species with horizontal roots that often spread freely, with new plants being formed at intervals along the root. These species are useful for naturalising, but they do not flower very freely in the cool summers of Britain[214]. 'clumpers' have vertical roots and form slowly spreading clumps and produce offsets around the crown. These forms flower much more freely in Britain[214]. A very ornamental plant[1]. The flowers, which only open in bright sunshine, have a soft delicate scent[245].

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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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