Nuphar lutea aka Yellow Water Lily

Nuphar lutea, also known as the yellow water-lily, brandy-bottle, or spadderdock, is an aquatic plant belonging to the Nymphaeaceae family. This fascinating species can be found in various regions across the globe, including northern temperate and subtropical areas of Europe, northwest Africa, western Asia, North America, and Cuba. With a history dating back to prehistoric times, this plant has been used as both a food source and in medicinal practices. Its leathery leaves are slightly oval in shape and can reach up to 40cm in diameter. From early summer to early autumn, the plant produces yellow, cupped flowers on stalks that rise above the water. These flowers, which give the plant its "brandy bottle" nickname, emit a pleasant scent. Nuphar lutea is commonly found in ponds, stream borders, and sloughs, and is often used in large water gardens and ponds due to its ability to tolerate shade and deeper water. It can develop underwater stems up to 6' long and slowly spread to form colonies. The plant's leaves and flowers emerge on separate stalks from underground rhizomes. The leaves, which resemble lilypads, can either stand erect above the water or float on the surface. Submerged, ruffled cabbage-like leaves are also present, albeit smaller in size. From May to October, fragrant greenish-yellow flowers bloom in a globular, cup-shaped form. Each flower partially opens in the morning and closes at night, lasting for approximately 4-5 days.