Mississippi Lotus

"Mississippi Lotus" Since ancient times, the lotus has been a powerful spiritual symbol of enlightenment, awakening and rebirth by various cultures and spiritual teachings. Most of those references were to the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) in Asia. The American lotus (Nelumbo lutea), however, is no less lovely. To witness its blooms is considered by some to be an otherworldly experience. You can judge for yourself as the plant blooms in Minnesota in July and August. It is primarily found in back channels and quiet waters along the Mississippi River south of St. Paul, but it is also found in a few Twin Cities lakes, where Native Americans may have planted it for food. Beyond Minnesota, American lotus occurs in the eastern half of North America from Ontario to Texas, as well as California, parts of Central America, and into northern South America.

Lotus was an important food source for Native Americans, as virtually the entire plant is edible. The starchy tubers were baked like sweet potatoes, very young leaves were cooked and eaten like spinach, and immature seeds were eaten raw. Mature seeds could be shelled and the kernels roasted and eaten like nuts or ground into flour.

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