UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

White Water Lily

Herb Icon Native Flower     First Aid Symbol  Edible Symbol  Mildly Toxic
Image of White Water Lily
Nymphaea Alba
Order: Nymphaeales Family: Nymphaeaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name White Water Lily
MainColor Pink
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Growth Type Native Flower Native
Season May
ImageUrl Nymphaea-001
Photographer Gita
Location
Human Toxicity Mildly Toxic Mildly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

The European White Water Lily is an aquatic perennial with large, round floating leaves and fragrant white flowers that bloom from June to September. The flowers have numerous petals and a bright yellow centre, typically measuring 10-20 cm in diameter. The plant thrives in still or slow-moving bodies of water such as ponds and lakes.

Distribution

This species is native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia, and it has been introduced to North America. It is commonly found in temperate regions, preferring shallow, nutrient-rich waters.

Medicinal/Other Uses First Aid Symbol

✅ Traditionally used in herbal medicine for its sedative and astringent properties. Extracts from the plant have been used to treat conditions such as diarrhoea and skin inflammations.

Edibility Edible Symbol  

Caution Advised - roots and seeds are edible when cooked, but raw parts may contain mild toxins.

Human Toxicity Mildly Toxic

Mildly Toxic - ingestion of raw plant parts may cause stomach upset or irritation.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Mildly Toxic to dogs and cats - ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset and vomiting.

Active Compounds

Nupharin, tannins, alkaloids.

An unhandled error has occurred. Reload 🗙