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
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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].

Propagation Notes: Seed - sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse in pots submerged under 25mm of water. Prick out into individual pots as soon as the first true leaf appears and grow them on in water in a greenhouse for at least two years before planting them out in late spring. The seed is collected by wrapping the developing seed head in a muslin bag to avoid the seed being lost. Harvest it 10 days after it sinks below the soil surface or as soon as it reappears[200]. Division in May. Each portion must have at least one eye. Submerge in pots in shallow water until established[56].

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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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