Fragrant Water Lilies, or Nymphaea odorata, are a common wild plant native to North America. I chose them because as a kid, I often got stuck in the water lilies when kayaking and needed my dad to come and tow me out of them. Once I got older, my sister and I would look for younger lily pads to feel the clear jelly underneath. The images on the right show how much they've taken over the back bay of our family's cabin.
Fragrant Water Lilies are one of ~60 species of water lilies found across the world. Depending on the species, they can be found in a variety of different environments. They're perennials, and prefer mucky or silty lake/pond bottoms. They're well-known for their ability to take over ponds and streams.
Interesting Facts
It is seen as a symbol of rebirth in Hinduism because the flowers close at night and reopen in the morning
For Buddhists, it is seen as a symbol of enlightenment because they rise out of the mud
It is the national flower of Iran, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
It has many names, including: The American white waterlily, fragrant water-lily, beaver root, fragrant white water lily, white water lily, sweet-scented white water lily, and sweet-scented water lily