A large-flowered marginal aquatic perennial that typically grows 3-6’ tall in shallow water and spreads, sometimes aggressively, by thickened rhizomes rooted in the mud. This plant is often found near ponds, lakes, slow streams, and marshes. This plant has flowers that grow up to 10" across, making them one of the largest flowers in North America. The flowers are thermogenic (generating heat) and are pollinated by beetles, primarily Chrysomelidae and medium-sized bees. Phorid flies (Phoridae) also visit the flowers. For water gardens or small ponds, plant roots in large containers or planting baskets with up to 24” of water covering the crowns. Container grown plants are easier to control and, if desired, to move to other locations. This plant is tolerant of heat. The rubes, leaves, and seeds of this plant are edible.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Frequent Standing Water | Moist
NC region
Coastal; Piedmont
Growth rate
Rapid
Maintenance
High
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Horizontal; Spreading
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Orbicular
Leaf feel
Waxy
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
> 6 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
1-2 ft. bowl-shaped leaves held 1-2 feet above the water
Flower color
Cream/Tan; Gold/Yellow
Flower value
Showy
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Cup
Flower size
> 6 inches
Flower detail
Each flower has a distinctive showerhead-like central turbinate (inversely conical) receptacle (2-3” diameter) consisting of pistil-containing cavities. Each flower blooms for about three days, opening in the morning and closing at night each day. Flowers bloom June-September.
Bloom time
Fall; Summer
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit detail
After blooming, nut-like fruits begin to form imbedded in the flat surface of the receptacle. Receptacles turn brown, harden and acquire a woody-like texture as they dry (suggestive of wasps’ nests). Eventually, the receptacle breaks off and falls into the water where it floats as it slowly disintegrates, distributing its seed as it goes. Fruits are available June-October.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Native
Origin
South East Canada to Mexico, Greater Antilles, Colombia
Distribution
New York and Ontario west to Minnesota and south to Florida and Texas plus Mexico, Central America, Columbia and the West Indies.
Wildlife value
Colonies of this plant provide excellent habitat and shelter for wildlife.
Attracts
Bees; Small Mammals
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Capsule
Uses (ethnobotany)
The young leaf stalks/leaves, the rootstock and the seeds were eaten by native Americans.