Many of the ponds here are now filled with native Fragrant Water Lilies (Nymphaea odorata), such as this one, which appeared last week.
Their genus name, Nymphaea (“nim-FYE-ah”), is derived from the Greek and Roman name for “water lily,” which, in turn, originated as a reference to mythological water nymphs. The local plants’ species name, odorata (“o-dor-RAH-ta”), means “fragrant,” as you probably guessed.
The sweet-smelling flowers of these Fragrant Water Lilies open early on clear mornings and close about noon or whenever the day gets darkly cloudy. Their flowers and water lily pad leaves attract insects and become floating al fresco cafes for smaller frogs (especially green frogs) and birds (especially red-winged blackbirds. Underneath the lily pads, fish and aquatic invertebrates, such as dragonfly nymphs, enjoy the shade.
The plant’s seeds are a favorite food for waterfowl and their stems (rhizomes) are consumed by many animals, including muskrats, beaver, deer, moose, and even porcupines.
(Brooklin, Maine)