Etymology: Nymphaea: Greek and Roman mythology probably referring to attractive and playful water nymphs of the same habitat
Plants: floating, perennial aquatic; with fleshy rhizomes
Leaves: round, one edge narrowly slit to the stalk, green on top, purple on the bottom; most floating, leaf stalks round with 4 large, air passages
Flowers: white, 7 or more-parted, 2 1/2"-7 1/2" wide, solitary, floating on the water surface, 4 green sepals; blooms July-Sept.
Habitat: water less than 7' deep; in sediment soil
Conservation Status: Native

Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 6, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos USGS - Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center: Wetland Plants and Plant Communities of Minnesota and Wisconsin Dan Tenaglia's The Missouri Flora: Fabulous photographs; detailed descriptions; color and leave arrangement key. Southwest School of Botanical Medicine: Britton & Brown Illustrated Flora - 2nd Edition (1913) "An Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada"