Yellow pond lily (Nuphar lutea or related Nuphar species) is an aquatic plant found in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams across North America. It produces large, floating leaves and distinctive yellow, cup-shaped flowers that rise above the water surface.
Both the seeds and the starchy underwater tubers (rhizomes) of yellow pond lily have been important food sources for Indigenous peoples of North America. The seeds can be parched and ground into flour or popped like popcorn. The tubers are starchy and can be roasted, boiled, or dried and ground. The flavour is generally described as mild and starchy, somewhat similar to other aquatic root vegetables.
Yellow pond lily is not cultivated as a food crop and remains a foraged, traditional food. It is ecologically important as habitat for fish, insects, and waterfowl.
How it's produced
Yellow pond lily is harvested from wild populations in freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers. It is not commercially cultivated for food.
Seeds are collected in late summer when the seed pods mature and can be gathered from a canoe or by wading. The tubers are harvested by pulling or digging them from the muddy bottom of shallow water — a physically demanding task traditionally done in autumn or early spring when water levels may be lower. Both seeds and tubers require processing before eating: seeds are typically dried and parched, while tubers are peeled, sliced, and roasted or boiled to remove bitterness.
What it costs the planet (per kilo)
≈ Estimated from its category — typical for vegetables, not measured for this item yet. Sources & methods →
What comes from this
Your household's take
One thumb per person, shared with your household — it steers what the wider-web shelf and the swap chips offer you. Tap again to take it back.
✎ Spotted something wrong? Suggest a correction
Checking who you are...