Our native water lily is the Cape Fear Spatterdock , found only in rivers here in the Cape Fear region. It grows at depths of up to 4 feet and has narrow leaves with wavy edges. Small yellow flowers can be seen close-up. Aquarium fans will use this one for cold-water environments, although some suggest they are not easy to grow.

A water lily is considered a "deep-water aquatic," meaning it grows on the floor of a pond with floating leaves and flowers above.