Blooming American Lotus At Sequoyah NWR

I’m sharing more American Lotus photos that were taken at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge last month when I visited my friend and photographer, Steve Creek. Steve very graciously shared some of his favorite locations with me, and this was one of them.

Sequoyah NWR American Lotus – Canon R7, f8, 1/800, ISO 160, -0.7 EV, Canon RF 100-500 mm at 500mm, natural light

There were several locations on the refuge where I could see both water lilies and lotuses. When I was visiting only the lotus were in bloom.

Blooming American Lotus – Canon R7, f8, 1/800, ISO 200, -0.7 EV, Canon RF 100-500 mm at 500mm, natural light

When American Lotus blossoms are open they can be as wide as 10 inches or more. Both its seeds and roots are edible and have been traditionally used as a food source by various Native American tribes.

It’s important to note that if you come across American Lotus in the wild and plan to consume it, you should be confident in your identification skills or seek guidance from an expert. Additionally, be aware of the potential presence of pollutants or contaminants in the water where the plant grows, as it can affect the safety and quality of the lotus.

In addition, at national wildlife refuges, national parks, and national monuments, I believe it is illegal to collect the plants, seeds, and flowers. Check before you collect.

Bug on an American Lotus – Canon R7, f8, 1/800, ISO 200, -0.7 EV, Canon RF 100-500 mm at 500mm, natural light

As for me, I have no desire to collect plants other than through my photographs which is why I took so many photos of these beautiful aquatic lotus.

American Lotus blossom at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge – Canon R7, f8, 1/800, ISO 160, -1.0 EV, Canon RF 100-500 mm at 500mm, natural light

I took images of the lotus in bud, partially open, and fully open in the morning light. I watched as dragonflies landed on their leaves and as pollinators flew into the flowers.

Opening American Lotus at Sequoyah NWR – Canon R7, f8, 1/800, ISO 250, -1.0 EV, Canon RF 100-500 mm at 500mm, natural light

The American Lotus is native to North America and because of climate change I believe it will grow and bloom further north than its historic range in the near future.

Reeve’s Slough at Sequoyah NWR – Samsung cell phone

These last three images from Reeve’s Slough at the refuge show both water lilies and lotus at the slough. The water lily leaves usually float on the water while the lotus leaves are held above it.

American Lotus at Reeve’s Slough – Samsung cell phone 

This cell phone photo shows more lotus than lily leaves and how the bottomland hardwood forest reaches the shoreline of the slough. My friend, Steve, is also shown in this image.

Morning light on American Lotus at Sequoyah NWR – Samsung cell phone 

I loved the light and shadows I found early in the morning at Reeve’s Slough at the refuge. This slough is also where I photographed two white-tailed Deer does with a fawn one morning at the refuge as the does nibbled on the lotus leaves.

Birds are my primary subject and my passion but I can’t resist photographing everything else I find in nature.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my wildflower, shrub and tree photos.