American Spatterdock

Nuphar advena is a hardy, perennial deep-water species that provides excellent surface cover for large ponds and lakes where the water is partially shaded and slow-moving. This vigorous plant roots into the substrate, giving rise to leathery heart-shaped leaves that either float on the water's surface or are held a couple of inches above. The leaves below the water tend to be much thinner and translucent and are borne on shorter stems. During the summer, solitary 2-4cm globular yellow flowers are held above the water on stiff stems. The flower is followed by an ovoid-shaped fruit, containing numerous large seeds. This plant has a very rhizomatous root system and does need space to spread, typically increasing surface coverage to around 1.5m (4.9ft) within 5 years. Propagation is from seed or division, the latter being the easiest option during late spring. Plant the divided clumps into small baskets and submerge in shallow water until established enough to be moved into larger baskets, or planted directly into the substrate, in deeper areas.

Buy Live Pond Plants