American Water Lotus (Nelumbo lutea)

Family: Nelumbonaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Nelumbo lutea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects, beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Shoots, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Spring, Early Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in starch, when baked it becomes sweet and mealy, somewhat like a sweet potato. — It is usually steeped in water prior to cooking in order to remove any bitterness.; The root is rich in starch, when baked it becomes sweet and mealy, somewhat like a sweet potato.; The root is usually harvested in the autumn and will store for several months.; Leaves and young stems - cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Mostly flood plains of major rivers in ponds, lakes, pools in marshes and swamps, and backwaters of reservoirs from sea level to 400 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)