Nuphar advena
(Nuphar lutea subspecies advena)
Spatterdock, Cow lily

Spatterdock is a large plant whose leaves are often floating, however submersed and emersed leaves are common. Spatterdock occurs in ponds, lakes and sluggish streams.

Spatterdock has large heart-shaped leaves, usually with wavy margins. Spatterdock floating leaves are attached to long, stout stems which arise from large, spongy rhizomes. Spatterdock submersed leaves are very thin, attached at the bottom rhizomes. Spatterdock flowers are yellow and "half-opened" at or above the water surface. Flowers are attached to thick round stems that are often six feet long.


For many years southeastern (U.S.) flora have treated the genus Nuphar as a single species, Nuphar lutea, which was further divided into many subspecies. Recent studies, based on comparisons of morphological features and interpretations of molecular analysis, do not support the single species concept.


In fact, results indicate the name Nuphar lutea should not be used for any North American Nuphar members. The genus Nuphar is now represented by eight distinct species in North America. A key to this new classification is provided in Chapter 12, Nymphaeacea by Wiersema and Hellquist, Vol 3, Flora of North America, 1997; and Volume 1, Aquatic and Wetland Plants of Northeastern North America, by G. Crow and B. Hellquist, 2000.


Spatterdock may be confused with water lily, Nymphaea species. Compare the leaf shapes and flowers.

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