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Photo by Meghan Johnstone, APIPP
European Frog-bit
COMMON NAME:
European frog-bitSCIENTIFIC NAME:
Hydrocharis morsus-ranaeORIGIN:
EuropeDESCRIPTION:
European frog-bit is a free-floating, short-lived perennial. The leaves are leathery and round with undersides that may be dark purple. Flowers are white with yellow centers, and bloom in the summer. The leaf stem of european frog-bit lacks a mid-line groove which distinguishes it from its native look-alike, american frog-bit, Limnobium spongia.HABITAT:
This plant grows well in slow moving or stagnant open water, including marshes, ditches, swamps and sheltered coves.THREAT:
European frog-bit quickly forms dense mats, which crowds out native plants, limits light penetration and can inhibit recreational use.MANAGEMENT:
Limited information exists on control techniques for this species. Hand pulling may be suitable to control individual plants or small infestations.
WNY PRISM PRIORITY:
Tier 4 - Local Control
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
European frog-bit is a prohibited species in New York State - for more information on Prohibited and Regulated Species, visit http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/99141.html.
Native Alternatives
White water lily (Nymphaea odorata)
Long-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton nodosus)
Great duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza)
NYS Prohibited and Regulated Species - Part 575:
PATHWAYS OF INVASION:
European frog-bit was accidentally introduced to Lake Superior in 1972. Plant fragments and seeds are spread by boats and wildlife.
REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION:
Locally Common