Lotus (American)

About the Lotus (American)

Native to North America, distinct from the Asian sacred lotus. The seeds can remain viable for over 1,000 years. Their leaves exhibit the lotus effect - self-cleaning through nanoscale surface structures. They grow in water up to 2 meters deep. Indigenous peoples ate the tubers, seeds, and young leaves. They can cover large areas of quiet water with their massive circular leaves up to 60 cm across. They are the largest native wildflower in North America. They are related to the Asian lotus but are a separate species.