American lotus-lily marsh occurs mostly in backwaters of large rivers where current velocity is low. Colonies have also been noted in shallow protected bays of a few lakes and within impoundments. Statewide distribution includes scattered sites along the Mississippi, Black, Trempealeau, and Lower Wolf Rivers and several locations within the Winnebago Pool lakes of east central Wisconsin.
American lotus-lily (Nelumbo lutea) is the clear dominant plant in this community. Superficially resembling a pond lily (Nymphaeaspp., Nuphar spp.), the large circular leaves of the American lotus may lie flat on the water's surface or be held at elevations several inches above the water by stiff petioles. No other aquatic macrophyte assemblage features this unusual structural characteristic. The huge creamy-yellowish flowers are held above the leaves and are prized by many for their aesthetic appeal and pleasant smell. Associated species include broad-leaved arrowhead (Sagittaria latifolia), pickerel-weed (Pontederia cordata), common water-plantain (Alisma subcordatum), white water-lily (Nymphaea odorata), bull-head pond-lily (Nuphar variegata), broad-leaved cat-tail (Typha latifolia), duckweeds (Lemna spp.), and various sedges (Carex spp., Schoenoplectus spp.).
