Yellow pond-lily
Nuphar pumila

Family: Nymphaeaceae

What it is like

Nuphar pumila is a PERENNIAL. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Flies, beetles. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It can grow in water.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Lakes, mainly in N. Scotland. Predominantly in cool usually acid infertile ponds and lakes of moors and mountains.

Northern and central Europe, including Britain, to northern Asia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Seed. No more details have been seen for this plant, but since this plant is closely related to N. lutea it is quite possible that it can be used similarly. These uses are listed below. Root - cooked. An edible starch can be extracted from the root. A possible emergency food. The root has a bitter flavour - this bitterness can be removed by leaching the root in water. Leaves and leaf stalks - cooked. Seed - cooked. It can be ground into a powder and used in making bread and porridge, or for thickening soups etc. The seed can also be parched, when it swells considerably but does not burst like popcorn. It is then normally eaten dry. A refreshing drink is made from the flowers.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The root is a constructive tonic that benefits the digestive organs and increases body strength.

Digestive: Aids digestion.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

A water plant requiring a sunny position. Succeeds in very poor acid waters in the wild. It is best if grown in still water at least 30cm deep but it also tolerates slow moving water. Succeeds in light shade. This species is closely related to N. lutea.

Propagating it: Seed - sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse in pots submerged under 25mm of water. Prick out into individual pots as soon as the first true leaf appears and grow them on in water in a greenhouse for at least two years before planting them out in late spring. The seed is collected by wrapping the developing seed head in a muslin bag to avoid the seed being lost. Harvest it 10 days after it sinks below the soil surface or as soon as it reappears. Division in May. Each portion must have at least one eye. Submerge in pots in shallow water until established.

Best place to grow: Pond;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

N. minima.