Nymphaea odorata, the fragrant or American white waterlily, is native throughout North America where it's found in shallow ponds. The typical species has large white flowers and perfectly circular leaves with a notch. There are also pink and red varieties. It is the basis for many hybrids. The northern variant was formerly classed as Nymphaea tuberosa. This true native species can be seen growing along the shores of the Native Plant Garden to the north Cove area.

Waterlilies are rhizomatous aquatic plants with about 50 species occurring in the wild, mostly found in the tropics of the Northern Hemisphere. They are characterized by round notched leaves that lie flat on the water and flowers with numerous petals produced at the end of a long lax stem floating just above the water surface. In the center of each flower is a cluster of showy stamens. Waterlilies have been cultivated since at least 2000 B.C. and are divided into hardy hybrids, tropical day-blooming, and tropical night-blooming. Waterlilies need full sun to flower and must be anchored in mud as they are not free floating.