Spatterdock is an emergent plant that grows in 1 - 5 feet of water. The interesting yellow flowers open in the morning and close at night. They are pollinated mainly be bees and beetles, and may be visited by a few fly species. Spatterdock serves as a food source for other types of insects, waterfowl, deer, beavers, muskrats, and turtles. Grass carp usually won't eat spatterdock. The roots and seeds are edible, though the roots can be bitter tasting.
Spatterdock provides shelter, shade, and cover for fish and aquatic wildlife. It spreads by rhizome and seed and can form colonies in the right conditions. Full sun and clean, clear, still water are preferred, though it can grow in a fair amount of shade.
Other common names include cow lily, yellow water lily, broadleaf pond lily, and brandy bottle.
Uses: Wildlife, fish, edible, traditional medicine
Bloom time: May - October
Flower color: Yellow
Sun: Full sun to medium shade