Tuberous Water Lily (Nymphaea tuberosa)

Family: Nymphaeaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Nymphaea tuberosa is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to September, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich in starch, oil and protein. — The seed can be ground into a powder and used as a flour or fried and used like popcorn.; The root is rich in starch, oil and protein.; The bitter tasting tuber is occasionally eaten.; The bitterness can be reduced somewhat by leaching the root in water.

Habitat & North American Range

Mainly alkaline ponds, lakes and sluggish streams and rivers, usually in very oozy sediments at elevations of 100 - 400 metres. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7)