(Rocky Mountain Pond-lily)

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Nuphar polysepala, Lilypad Lake, Silverthorne, Summit Co. 5038

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Nuphar polysepala, Lilypad Lake, Silverthorne, Summit Co. 5039

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Nuphar polysepala, Lilypad Lake, Silverthorne, Summit Co. 5042

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Nuphar polysepala, Lilypad Lake, Silverthorne, Summit Co. 5037

Scientific Name Nuphar polysepala (Nuphar polysepala ssp. polysepala, Nuphar lutea ssp. polysepala) USDA PLANTS Symbol NULUP
Common Name Rocky Mountain Pond-lily ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. 517578
Family Nymphaeaceae (Water-lily) SEINet
Reference
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Description Life zones and habitat: Montane and subalpine (8000 to 1000 ft.); high altitude ponds and lakes.
Plant: Aquatic, perennial with leaves growing directly from rhizomes.
Leaves: Smooth, leathery ovate to suborbicular leaves floating on the water surface with petioles up to 40 inches long or more; blades are 3 to 12 inches long and wide.
Inflorescence: Solitary, showy flowers up to 4-3/4 inches across when fully opened on long peduncles; 5 to 12 sepals, the outer ones greenish and shorter than the bright yellow inner ones; 10-20 small petals usually concealed by the stamens and usually yellow, sometimes red-tinged; one style with 13 to 25-rayed stigma about an inch across.
Bloom Period: July to September.
References: "Flora of Colorado" bt Jennifer Ackerfield, SW Colorado Wildflowers and Burke Museum of Natural History
BONAP Distribution Map


Map Color Key
Colorado Status:
Native

© Tom Lebsack 2024

Banner photo: Ten Mile Range and Rhodiola integrifolia (King’s Crown) in Summit County