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If you've spent any time on
one of more than 450 natural lakes scattered across northern Indiana, chances
are you've seen two of the most beautiful flowers in the Hoosier state: the
white water lily and yellow pond lily.
Commonly called lily pads in
recognition of their broad, green leaves, both plants bloom throughout the
summer with gorgeous flowers that add charm and beauty to the lake
environment.
The white water lily produces a dazzling white flower with a
yellow center that floats on the water surface. White water lilies have round
leaves that look like floating plates.
The yellow pond lily produces a
yellow flower on top of a stem that can reach several inches above the water.
Yellow pond lilies, also called "spatterdock," have heart-shaped leaves that
stand tall above the water and flutter in the breeze.
In addition to
their natural beauty, lily pads provide a host of benefits to lake
ecology.
Aquatic insects-an important link in the aquatic food chain-are
attracted to the flowers and rest on lily pad leaves and stems. Frogs and
turtles seek the camouflage lily pads offer as safe haven from predators. Fish
hide among the stems, not only from each other but also for protection from the
sun.
Because both plants grow in shallow water, they buffer waves,
thereby protecting the shore from erosion. They also stabilize the lakebed and
protect water quality.
Despite these benefits, some lakefront property
owners don't appreciate lily pads, said DNR fisheries biologist Jed
Pearson.
"We've seen a constant battle waged against lily pads over the
years," Pearson said. "Although the plants are still present in most lakes, some
lakes have very few left."
Current DNR rules prohibit lake residents from
removing lily pads, except in small areas with no open water access.
"At
specific locations where lily pads impair lake access, we can issue permits to
control them," Pearson said.
one of more than 450 natural lakes scattered across northern Indiana, chances
are you've seen two of the most beautiful flowers in the Hoosier state: the
white water lily and yellow pond lily.
Commonly called lily pads in
recognition of their broad, green leaves, both plants bloom throughout the
summer with gorgeous flowers that add charm and beauty to the lake
environment.
The white water lily produces a dazzling white flower with a
yellow center that floats on the water surface. White water lilies have round
leaves that look like floating plates.
The yellow pond lily produces a
yellow flower on top of a stem that can reach several inches above the water.
Yellow pond lilies, also called "spatterdock," have heart-shaped leaves that
stand tall above the water and flutter in the breeze.
In addition to
their natural beauty, lily pads provide a host of benefits to lake
ecology.
Aquatic insects-an important link in the aquatic food chain-are
attracted to the flowers and rest on lily pad leaves and stems. Frogs and
turtles seek the camouflage lily pads offer as safe haven from predators. Fish
hide among the stems, not only from each other but also for protection from the
sun.
Because both plants grow in shallow water, they buffer waves,
thereby protecting the shore from erosion. They also stabilize the lakebed and
protect water quality.
Despite these benefits, some lakefront property
owners don't appreciate lily pads, said DNR fisheries biologist Jed
Pearson.
"We've seen a constant battle waged against lily pads over the
years," Pearson said. "Although the plants are still present in most lakes, some
lakes have very few left."
Current DNR rules prohibit lake residents from
removing lily pads, except in small areas with no open water access.
"At
specific locations where lily pads impair lake access, we can issue permits to
control them," Pearson said.
