White Water Lily - Texas A&M University

White Water Lily - Photo credit: Texas A&M University

Updated: November 29, 2022
By Reginal M. Harrell , and John N. Hochheimer

White Water Lily

White or fragrant water lily (Nymphaea odorata) is often found in ornamental ponds or small ponds for the purpose of esthetics. However, if uncontrolled, the plant can take over a pond and completely cut off the surface, making recreational use difficult. White water lilies do have some value as a wildlife food source: white-tailed deer eat both leaves and stems, and wood ducks are sometimes seen feeding on the plant; many rodents, in particular muskrats, feed on the roots and leaves. The underside of leaves often serve as a site for aquatic insects to lay their eggs.

Download Document