Yellow Floating Heart
Photo by Greg Bales
Additional Images
Common Name: Yellow floating heart
Scientific Name: Nymphoides peltata
Origin: Europe, Asia
Description
Yellow floating heart is an herbaceous perennial that has stout, branching stems. The heart-shaped, almost circular, leaves are usually oppositely arranged and frequently purplish underneath. Bright yellow flowers have five petals and distinctively fringed edges. It spreads both vegetatively and by seeds.
Habitat
Yellow floating heart is found rooted in the mud of still bodies of water. It is also found in water gardens, which are oftentimes the source of its introductions.
Threat
This plant grows in dense patches, excluding native plant species, creating stagnant areas with low oxygen levels underneath the floating mats, and negatively impacting fish and wildlife habitat and recreational use.
Management
Limited information is available on the control of yellow floating heart. Based on the plant’s characteristics, mechanical and hand removal would most likely be effective.
Distribution: View Map
