The yellow water lily, also known as a spatterdock or cow-lily, appeared regularly in my travels throughout British Columbia and the Yukon.

 

Curious about the plant, I was intrigued to learn that this lily variety is also found in Europe, northwest Africa and western Asia, a testament to its hardiness, despite its delicate beauty. I also discovered the many medicinal uses of various parts of the lily. The leaves of this particular varietal were at one time heated and used as a poultice for chest pains.

 

While I did not find myself in need of any poultices, I was certainly drawn to the beauty of this unique plant and the patterns of light playing over the submerged and partially submerged leaves.