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Native Plants Anywhere

American white waterlily

Nymphaea odorata

American white waterlily
Photo: (c) Bonnie Semmling, some rights reserved (CC BY) · iNaturalist

About American white waterlily

# American White Waterlily

If you love wildlife and beauty, the American white waterlily is a treasure for your pond or water garden. Its lovely white flowers open during the day and float right on the water's surface, creating a peaceful, magical feeling. Dragonflies, bees, and other insects visit the blooms, and fish find shelter in the broad green leaves. This native plant has been part of our wetlands for generations, and having one in your yard connects you to that natural heritage.

Growing waterlilies is easier than you might think. Plant them in containers of rich soil at the bottom of your pond or water garden, where they'll get good sunlight. The plant spreads slowly through underwater roots, so give it space to settle in. Once established, it comes back year after year with hardly any fussing. You'll soon be enjoying those gorgeous flowers and watching nature thrive right in your own backyard.

Native to 49 states