Nymphaea odorata (fragrant white water lily)

Upside down lily lead.

Nymphaea odorata, American white water-lily, is a common floating aquatic plant found across North America in slightly acidic to basic lakes and slow-moving streams. The leaves are bright green on the top and a beautiful purple underneath. Pictured here is a new leaf turned upside down by the rapid rise in water level after a tremendous downpour.

The flowers are white to light pink, and fragrant

The flower contains four sepals and more than 20 petals.

A flower covered with bugs attracted by its scent.

Because of their size and the surface area they cover, they provide habitat and safe harbor for small insects, their larvae, fishes, and even a water snake!

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