European White Water Lily
Nymphaea alba
The European White Water Lily is a perennial aquatic plant characterized by its large, white flowers and heart-shaped floating leaves. It roots with a strong rhizome in the mud of stagnant or slow-moving waters. The flowers open only during the day in sunshine and are primarily pollinated by insects.
Details
Oxygen production
Produces oxygen, part of which is conducted to the roots via aerenchyma (ventilation tissue).
Habitat function
Important habitat for dragonfly larvae, fish, and amphibians.
Nutrient uptake
High uptake of phosphates and nitrogen compounds from the sediment and water.
Food source for
Waterfowl eat seeds; muskrats eat rhizomes; insects use nectar and pollen.
Human use
Popular ornamental plant for garden ponds; historically used as a medicinal plant (sedative).
Ecology
Ecological role
Primary producer; provides shelter for juvenile fish and serves as a spawning substrate for many aquatic organisms.
Natural predators
Muskrats, waterfowl, water lily leaf beetles, various snail species.
Competitor species
Yellow water-lily (Nuphar lutea), common reed (during siltation).
Ecosystem service
Water purification through nutrient uptake, oxygen enrichment, shading to prevent algal blooms.
Threats
Water pollution, eutrophication, destruction of littoral zones, boat traffic.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Generative via seeds (pollination by beetles and flies) and vegetative through the growth and branching of the creeping rhizome as well as rhizome fragments.