40 

 SPAHERDOCK 



BOTANICAL 



Some botanists recognize numerous species of Nuphar in the 

 United States, whereas others treat the group as one species, 

 N. luteum, with several varieties. Spatterdock, also known as 

 cowlily, mulefoot (South), or yellow pondlily, is common in fresh- 

 water ponds, lakes, and slow streams in various parts of the coun- 

 try. The plants are able to grow in 5 feet or more of water, and 

 their seedlings can develop in approximately that depth. Spread 

 is by seeds and by rootstocks. 



IMPORTANCE 



Ringnecked ducks, wood ducks, and, to a lesser extent, other 

 waterfowl feed on spatterdock seeds ; in breeding areas, the plants 

 can serve as useful brood cover, and they harbor insects upon which 

 young ducks feed. The rootstocks are considered about a third- 

 rate food for muskrats. In many locations it thrives under con- 

 ditions of turbidity or fluctuating levels that preclude desirable 

 vegetation, but in other places it is a serious competitor with more 

 useful waterfowl plants. 



CONTROL 



Spatterdock is fairly difficult to destroy, and fully satisfactory 

 methods have not yet been developed. The plant can be controlled 

 by herbicides, or by cutting provided it is done at the right time. 



