Editing Nelumbo lutea (section)

==Description==
American lotus is an emergent [[aquatic plant]].  It grows in [[lake]]s and [[swamp]]s, as well as areas subject to [[flood]]ing.  The roots are anchored in the mud, but the [[Leaf|leaves]] and [[flower]]s emerge above the water's surface.  The [[petiole (botany)|petiole]]s of the leaves may extend as much as {{convert|2|m|ft|abbr=on}} and end in a round leaf blade {{convert|33|-|43|cm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter. Mature plants range in height from {{convert|0.8|to|1.5|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Slocum">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V62dfNKTPP0C |title=Waterlilies and Lotuses: Species, Cultivars, and New Hybrids |first=Perry D. |last=Slocum |publisher=Timber Press |year=2005 |isbn=978-0-88192-684-2 |page=236}}</ref>

Flowering begins in late spring and may continue into the summer.  The specific name means "yellow" in [[Latin]] and refers to the [[flower]]s, which may be white to pale yellow. The flowers measure {{convert|18|-|28|cm|in|abbr=on}} in diameter and have 22-25 [[petal]]s.<ref name="Slocum"/>