Fragrant Water Lily, American white waterlily

Nymphaea odorata

Physical Characteristics

Nymphaea odorata is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, 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. It cannot grow in the shade. It can grow in water.

Distribution

N. America - Newfoundland to British Columbia, south to California, Florida, Mexico and Cuba.

Habitats

Pond;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Seed Edible Uses: Flower buds - cooked as a vegetable or pickled[55, 105, 177, 183]. Young flowers - raw[55]. Leaves - raw or cooked[207]. Used in soups and stews[55, 177, 183]. Root[105, 183]. Boiled or roasted[207]. Ripe seed - cooked or ground into a meal[207].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antidiarrhoeal Antiseptic Astringent Cancer Demulcent Dysentery TB The root is alterative, anodyne, antiseptic, astringent and demulcent[4, 21, 165, 238]. A tea made from the roots is used in the treatment of TB, chronic bronchial complaints, diarrhoea, dysentery, gastrointestinal inflammation, gonorrhoea, vaginal discharge, inflamed glands, mouth sores and to stop bleeding[222, 238]. A poultice made from the roots is used in the treatment of swellings, boils, tumours, inflamed skin, vaginitis etc[222, 238]. The roots are harvested in the autumn once the plant has died down, and are dried for later use[238]. A complete cure of uterine cancer by a decoction and uterine injection has been recorded[4].

Known Hazards

None known