Nymphaeaceae

Nymphaea odorata

Fragrant Water Lily

Floating. Leaves usually attached by long stalks to extensive root system in sediments, 2–12 in. across, round except for narrow pie-shaped slit where stem is attached. Flower very fragrant, white, pink, or purple, floating on or held just above water, about 5–8 in. across, opening in morning and closing in late afternoon. Grows in ponds or edges of lakes, sometimes clogs waterways. Highly ornamental plant with many horticultural varieties. Native to eastern United States. Invasive in lakes and ponds, on the Washington noxious weed list.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Mid-Late Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height:
• Habitat: Lake/Pond
• Found In: Olympic Np
• Native: No