Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Nymphaeaceae

Genus:

Nymphaea

Species:

Nymphaea elegans

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Aquatic

Height:

1-2 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may, sep, oct, nov

Bloom Colors:

blue, lavender

Native Range

United States: Florida, Louisiana, Texas

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rich, organic, clay loam

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Thrives in freshwater ponds and slow-moving streams.