Leaves are 6-8 inches in diameter, circular and are notched from the leaf margin to its center. Leaf veins originate from the center and fan out to the leaf margin. Leaves are usually floating but may extend above the water surface. Flowers are large, many petaled and white to pink in color (Many species are cultivated for their ornamental qualities.) Exotic, imported water lilies have a brilliant range of color from red to blue, however, they should not be planted where they may escape into native habitat. Stems are slender and green to reddish brown in color. The plant can grow to depths of 6-8 feet.