The common spatterdock is a versatile aquatic plant with many ornamental properties. With either emergent or floating foliage, it is perfect for adding complexity and color to a pond’s surface. Also known as yellow pond-lily, immigrant pond-lily, or cow lily, this species is a member of the widely popular Nymphaeaceae family. Its wild stands, which may be extensive, are found in the eastern states of the US and Canada.
The large, heart-shaped leaves of the common spatterdock are propped up by their lengthy petioles, which usually jut through the water’s surface. Spatterdock leaves may also be perfectly level with the surface, appearing as though they are effortlessly floating. Smoothly margined, medium to deep-green, and glabrous beneath full sunshine, they measure around 6 – 12 inches across (15 – 30 cm).
In late spring to early fall, the leaves are complemented by solitary flowers propped elegantly on emergent bloom stalks. These start off as globose buds protected by their compact, green sepals. These eventually open to reveal bright yellow petals and an equally vibrant central pistil. The eye-catching blooms measure around 3 inches (7.6 cm) across and last for just a few days. A 3-month long flowering period compensates for the blooms’ short-lived nature.
Facts, Benefits & Uses of Common Spatterdock
Nuphar advena commonly occurs in natural ponds, ditches, lake shores, canals, and streams with fairly calm waters. Rooted into bottom substrates via a network of rhizomes, it creates a multi-dimensional structure. As its petioles grow towards the surface, they form a maze through which many juvenile fish and amphibians can safely seek cover from intense sunlight, hide from potential predators, and search for food.
The emergent or floating leaves of the common spatterdock block the sun’s rays, preventing the water column from heating up too quickly through summer. As they can shade out a significant portion of a pond, they help prevent the development of algal mats. Note, however, that they may be abundant enough to completely block any light and prevent gas exchange between the water’s surface and the atmosphere.
Valuable as a source of nutrients for many herbivores, this spatterdock’s leaves and blooms may attract beavers, muskrats, waterfowl, turtles, and various insects to a wildlife pond. The flowers are pollinated by many semi-aquatic beetles, while the leaves may be prime egg-laying spots for some moths, caddisflies, and hoppers. The fertilized blooms develop into seed-filled, inch-long fruits.
Common Spatterdock Growth, Hardiness & Climate
The common spatterdock can be used as a beneficial decorative plant for water gardens with a depth of 1 to 5 feet (0.3 – 1.5 meters). As a single plant can eventually spread to cover a width of 6.5 feet (2 meters), it would not be necessary to cultivate compact clusters. Well-established roots can quickly become crowded and extensive, via creeping rhizomes, to cover a significant area. In shallow waterbodies with high nutrient input, they may compete with the root systems of other aquatic plants.
Common spatterdock stands receiving full sun and an adequate supply of nutrients are generally tolerant of both acidic and alkaline conditions. They are also likely to survive in slightly deeper waters, where their adventitious roots and submersed leaves may be cast in shade. Muddy bottoms tend to stimulate the fastest rates of growth, particularly in zones with minimal wind or wave action.
In some cases, common spatterdock rhizomes may rise to the surface or be situated in substrates that are exposed to air. They can survive in these states for quite some time, continuing to produce stems. They may become dislodged from the main plant via natural means (e.g., mechanical disturbance from an animal or due to a flooding event). Once the rhizomes come into firm contact with muddy substrates, they can quickly develop new roots to anchor them to the bottom.
How to Plant Common Spatterdock
Common spatterdock can be planted using its seeds or propagated using its rhizome divisions. The seeds can be sown in a greenhouse or in a protected setting with mild to warm temperatures. The germination setup may consist of small pots or a germination tray placed in a larger container with water – the surface should be approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the rim of the pots. This should ensure that the seeds and eventual seedlings are constantly submerged.
As soon as the seeds break open to produce their first sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots. Again, these should remain submerged in water. In temperate zones, it may take at least 2 full growth periods for the seedlings to reach a sturdy size. Once these are large enough to withstand outdoor conditions, they can be outplanted into the margins of a pond.
Spatterdock rhizome divisions can be planted directly into pond substrates if you wish to thoroughly naturalize your water garden. For ornamental fish ponds, consider situating them in mesh containers or pots to prevent them from spreading aggressively. When provided with ample sun in spring to summer, they should begin to produce new roots and leaves.
How to Care for Common Spatterdock
Ensure that your common spatterdock stands are exposed to at least 6 hours of sun per day to promote leaf production. Make sure they are situated away from a pond pump or current-producing water feature as these may cause the rhizomes to become dislodged and may interfere with the growth of petioles. Flowers tend to be most profuse in ponds receiving full sun exposure. To prevent these from developing into self-seeding fruits or from eventually decaying in your pond, aim to remove them once they are spent.
Regularly examine the leaves for signs of pests and diseases. Many leaf-eating insects, such as the larvae of leaf beetles, may thoroughly munch through the leaves of small spatterdock colonies. Nonetheless, this low-maintenance species is rarely plagued by pests that can cause serious and long-term damage.
How to Winter Common Spatterdock
As the common spatterdock is a perennial, its temperate colonies may exhibit seasons of growth, decay, and dormancy. In fall, its leaf stalks naturally die back. You may intentionally cut these to within a few inches above the anchored rhizomes. If the depth allows it, potted specimens can be moved further into the pond. This should help protect the rhizomes from freezing temperatures.
As soon as temperatures begin to warm in spring, the pots can be moved back into their original positions. New petioles should begin to grow as the plants re-enter their growth phase. Note that their leaves may initially appear to be sunken or floating.
Is Common Spatterdock Invasive or Toxic?
As common spatterdock can spread quite quickly and compete with other aquatic plants, its mismanaged stands may alter a pond’s ecology. It is not generally labeled as an invasive species outside of its native range, but it can definitely be challenging to control. In ponds and small to medium-sized lakes with high nutrient concentrations, it may colonize a considerable portion of space within just a few years.
Preventing run-off, stormwaters, pollutants, fish waste, and decaying plant materials from accumulating in a freshwater system should help prevent nutrient levels from shooting up. Thus, regular pond maintenance and the installation of proper barriers may reduce the chances of rapid spatterdock spread. Maintaining a moderate current in some parts of the pond should also prevent free-floating rhizomes from creating new colonies.
Nuphar advena is not known for being toxic, but there is some scrutiny surrounding the safety and digestibility of its raw roots – particularly to livestock and humans. These may need to be soaked or cooked to eliminate any bitterness and to neutralize potential toxins.
Is Common Spatterdock Edible? Do Animals Eat It?
Common spatterdock has a history of being a valuable food source and medicinal plant for indigenous groups throughout its native range. Like other member of its genus, it contains a variety of alkaloids with pharmacological importance. Moreover, the seeds, leaf stalks, leaves, and roots may be harvested and converted into non-toxic ingredients. Components of this species’ blooms can be used to make infusions.
Undoubtedly beneficial to wildlife when it is found in properly managed stands, common spatterdock is consumed by all sorts of animals – from grass carp to herbivorous mammals looking for a meal at a pond’s margins. Birds are known for consuming the seeds, whereas beavers and muskrats may feast on the rhizomes.
Where to Buy Common Spatterdock & Seeds? (UK & US)
Nuphar advena can usually be purchased as rooted specimens in 1-gallon pots from plant nurseries, garden centers specializing in aquatic species, and aquascaping stores. These are typically available in spring to summer, during which they may be transplanted directly into your outdoor water feature. If you’re situated outside of the US or Canada, you may be able to acquire bare root specimens from reputable outlets and online plant portals.
If you’re located in Europe or Asia, you may have more luck with Nuphar lutea. This species looks strikingly similar to N. advena. Note that, though they have differences in their genetic code, N. advena may occasionally be treated as a subspecies of N. lutea. As a rule, always try to opt for alternatives that are non-invasive and are native to your region.
