Yellow water lily
Botanical Name
Nuphar lutea
Family
Nymphaeaceae (waterlily)
Also known as
Spatterdock, cow lily, brandybottle, Nuphar luteum, Nymphaea lutea
Where is it originally from?
Northern temperate regions
What does it look like?
Waterlily growing from large, long, spongy rhizomes (up to 10 cm thick), with large (<40 cm x 30 cm), oval, heart-shaped, waxy, floating leaves and thin, lettuce-like submerged leaves. The golden yellow, alcohol-smelling, six-petalled, buttercup-like flower (<6 cm across) held above the water on a stalk, is smaller than flowers of other waterlilies. Green, flask-shaped fruit (2-3 cm long) splits open to release seeds.
Are there any similar species?
Nymphaea species (including Mexican waterlily) have rounder leaves. Marshwort (Nymphoides geminata), fringed waterlily (N. peltata) and water poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides) have smaller leaves (<10 cm across). None of them have the distinctive large underwater stems of yellow waterlily.
Why is it weedy?
Rapid growth rate, covers waterbodies by developing a dense mat of stems.
How does it spread?
Seeds and stem fragments are carried by water, boats, fishing gear or machinery
What damage does it do?
Dense growth chokes streams, shallow ponds and lake margins, causing flooding by impeding drainage. Shades out other plants, reduces nutrient availability, and alters the habitat for other organisms.
Which habitats is it likely to invade?
Still or slow-flowing water less than 2m deep.
What can I do to get rid of it?
Contact your regional council to determine the status of this species and responsibility for control and/or advice on control.
What can I do to stop it coming back?
Monitor the site and pull out or spray any regrowth.
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