American Lotus

Nelumbo lutea

Illustration: American lotus (Nelumbo lutea) flower and seed pod

Identification: Huge round umbrella leaves rising from still water; large pale-yellow flowers; distinctive showerhead-like seed pods.

Dangerous look-alikes: No toxic look-alike — unmistakable. Do not confuse with water lily (Nymphaea), whose leaves float flat and whose parts are not traditionally eaten.

Edible parts: Young leaves and leaf stalks (cooked), seeds (raw or roasted), tuberous roots.

Season and habitat: Summer–fall. Ponds, slow rivers, marshes.

Preparation: Peel and slice roots for stir-fry (like Asian lotus root); crack seeds for the nutty kernels; cook young stalks like greens. Sacred and staple across Asia — the American species is its twin.