U.S. #5567
2021 55¢ Garden Beauty – American Lotus
Issue Date: February 23, 2021
First Day City: Bloomfield, IN
Type of Stamp: Definitive
Printed by: Banknote Corporation of America
Printing Method: Offset
Format: Booklet of 20
Self-Adhesive
Quantity Printed: 600,000,000
There are many species of flowering plant in the world, but only a few that grow in the water. One of the most beautiful is the American lotus (Nelumbo lutea). It is also sometimes called the yellow lotus, water-chinquapin, and volée.
The American lotus is a native North American wetland plant found in lakes, swamps, and other water-covered areas. Its roots firmly anchor themselves into the mud on the bottom, while the stem, leaves, and flower of the plant grow upward and float on the surface. In total, the plants can reach heights up to five feet and have leaves 13 to 17 inches in diameter.
American lotus blossoms mark the end of spring and beginning of summer. Their bright while to pale yellow flowers stand out against the dark water they float on. In fact, their Latin name translates to "yellow." The flowers can be anywhere from 7 to 11 inches across with 22 to 25 individual petals.
The American lotus is one of the most beautiful and rare flowers in North America. However, due to habitat destruction and the disappearance of wetlands, the plant has become endangered. Hopefully, with the help of conservation efforts, this stunning flower will be able to make a comeback someday. After all, there is nothing more magical than enjoying a day on the water and coming across an American lotus.