Gruesome Twosome

Day 271: Do not be misled by Nymphaea odorata's beautiful blossom and sweet fragrance. This introduced plant, native to the eastern part of the country, is considered an invasive menace in the Pacific Northwest. That said, they are often sold by nurseries to people who want to add them to landscaped ponds and water gardens and thus have made their way into many (most!) of our lakes. They quickly snuff out native species and often create areas of stagnant, poorly oxygenated water when the leaves form a barrier on the surface, blocking natural aeration. Nymphaea occurs in many colors, although white and pink are the most typical.