American Lotus -- Nelumbo Lutea
Family Nymphaeaceae (Water-lily family)
This beautiful aquatic plant is found in scattered locations througout
Western Kentucky, and where found is usually well-established. Usual
habitat is stagnant lakes and ponds that lack tree cover. The flowers
are quite large, reaching 6 to 8 inches across and are held 12 to 20
inches above the surface of the water. The leaves, known as "lily-
pads," are 1-2 feet across and often found floating on the surface of
the water. They are covered with minute hairs and repel water. This
specimen was found on hematite lake in Land Between the Lakes in Lyon
county.
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Copyright 1997, 1998 Michael W. and Gary W. Thompson. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of law.