August 11 White Water Lily

I was moving along the Wingra Creek Trail this afternoon and noticed two flowers among the lily pads. White water lily (Nymphaea odorata) is its obvious name, and this plant enjoys still water. It forms dense colonies since it has the ability to spread through its rhizomes (roots) as well as from seeds. The roots must anchor to the bottom, so it will grow in water up to 5 feet deep. This is why they form a dense mat near the shoreline of Lake Wingra, and grow throughout Wingra creek. The plant provides cover for a variety of fish and macroinvertabrates. The flowers will bloom any time during summer.