Lily Pad

Lily pads (Nymphaea) are the floating leaves of water lilies. They can grow anywhere standing water exists.
According to the Washington State Department of Ecology, water lilies are among the most recognizable of aquatic plants.

Features: Water lilies grow completely in the water, with long stalks connecting the floating leaves to the roots.
Blossoms flourish just on top of the water. Water lilies spread to accommodate the area they are growing in, \
filling the surface of the water with lily pads. Water lilies require full sun to flourish, and they typically flower from May through September,
though there may be differences due to variation and climate.

Types: Hardy water lilies have circular lily pads with smooth round edges and come in a variety of colors.
Hardy water lilies can survive below the ice in freezing weather.
Tropical water lilies can be night bloomers or day bloomers, and their lily pads come in many different shapes. \
Tropical water lilies die during winter months.

Mythology: The scientific name, Nympaeceae, is taken from the Greek word nymph.
Nymphs were female sprites that lived in springs or other bodies of water. The name "Nympaeceae"
fits the water lily perfectly because the lily is only found in bodies of water as well

Benefits: Adding water lilies to your pond will fill it with color and keep the water clear and clean.
The lily pads will shade the water, keeping it cool in hot summer months, reducing algae growth and protecting small fish from predators.
Water lilies help oxygenate the water and absorb nutrients in the water that would otherwise feed undesirable aquatic plants.

Symbolism: When water lilies are given as a gift, they symbolize eloquence and persuasion.

Special Caution: Water lily pads create dense patches that can be problematic for other aquatic plants and fish.
They can become invasive and make swimming, canoeing and water sports difficult.