Non-Grass: Sacred Lotus (Commonly confused as an ornamental in aquatic landscape contexts)
Nelumbo nucifera · Perennial Aquatic Macrophyte (C3 photosynthesis)
Grass Family
Nelumbonaceae (Not a member of the Poaceae grass family)
Grass Category
Ornamental Aquatic Plant
Variety / Cultivar
Unknown pink-flowered cultivar (similar to 'Komarov')
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 4-11 (Rhizomes must be below the frost line in winter)
About This Grass
A large aquatic perennial with emergent leaves and flowers rising high above the water surface. Large pink multi-petaled flowers bloom in summer.
Blade Characteristics
Not true grass blades; large peltate, circular leaves (up to 24 inches wide) with glaucous, water-repellent (ultrahydrophobic) surfaces.
Root System
Deep, fleshy, tuberous rhizomes buried in anaerobic mud/substrate; extremely vigorous and spreading.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Tropical and Subtropical Asia and Northern Australia
Growth Habit
Rhizomatous (thick underground/underwater starch-storing rhizomes)
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun (6+ hours); requires standing water or saturated aquatic soil; high water demand.
Mowing & Maintenance
No mowing; maintenance involves removing dead leaves and spent flower stalks; fertilize with aquatic tabs.
Special Characteristics
Lotus effect (self-cleaning leaves), edible seeds and rhizomes, thermoregulatory flowers.
Ecological Information
Introduced in many regions; provides habitat for aquatic microorganisms and shade for fish; can be invasive in shallow wetlands.