ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT
Nymphoides peltata, commonly referred to as yellow floating heart, is an invasive aquatic plant native to Asia and Europe, though has been introduced to many states across North America. This rooted, perennial plant has floating rounded heart shaped leaves and 5-petaled bright yellow flowers visible from June to September. This plants’ desirablie visual appeal proliferated its spread via aquaculture in Canada and the United States.
Though prized for its ornamental appearance, yellow floating heart places significant pressures on native ecosystems. The plant can overcrowd native or indigenous plants, producing dense mats of floating foliage creating a canopy on the surface of the water. This can result in reduced water flow, reduced light penetration to other layers of the water column, lower dissolved oxygen levels, and create changes to the nutrient cycling within the impeded waterway.
Yellow-floating heart reproduces vegetatively via rhizomes (root system that spreads outwards and can grow new stems), stolons (horizontal plant stem that can take root and form new plants), and plant fragments, as well as by seed.
Yellow-floating heart thrives in slow-moving water bodies such as wetlands, lakes, ponds, and channels. It can grow in depths up to 12’ and persist in extremely low water levels.
There is a diverse array of native aquatic plant species within the SLELO region which serve essential ecological functions. Some of which having similar characteristics to yellow floating-heart such as Nymphoides cordata commonly called little floating-heart which shares the same Genus. Another native look-alike includes Nuphar variegata which is one of the region’s native pond lilies.
Managing Nymphoides peltata (Yellow Floating Heart) calls for early detection, careful hand‑removal of roots, and the use of targeted aquatic herbicides such as 2,4‑D, glyphosate, triclopyr, or imazamox. Since the plant spreads via fragments and rhizomes, manual control must be meticulous. Mechanical harvesting usually fails to control it and can actually accelerate its spread. For best results, a combination of the methods outlined below, tailored to the specific site, should be used.
Prevention is the first and preferred approach when managing any invasive species. Being aware of and able to identify aquatic invasive species like yellow floating heart is crucial for successful prevention. Clean boats, trailers, and equipment thoroughly after leaving infested water bodies
Manual control can be used for small, isolated patches, hand-pulling or raking is effective if the entire plant, including the roots, is removed. This should be done multiple times to remove new sprouts. Care should be taken to remove all plant parts to avoid resprouting.
Mechanical control is generally not recommended as it can cause further spreading through fragmentation.
Chemical Treatment: The use of herbicides in water is regulated; always consult state and local regulations for required permits.
If you think you have fouind yellow floating heart, take a clear, close-up photo, note the location (GPS coordinates are best), and report observations to NYiMapInvasives or directly to the SLELO PRISM’s Aquatic Restoration and Resiliency Coordinator, Adrien Owens, Adrien.Owens@tnc.org.
Education and stewardship are the most effective ways to prevent invasive species from establishing. Join our Water Protector’s Program to support early detection of this and other aquatic invasive species. Participants learn to identify and report priority species to NYiMapInvasives and adopt a waterbody for annual monitoring
SLELO PRISM also offers the Aquatic Invasive Species Learning Experience (AISLE), a three‑part training held annually that includes a virtual ID session, a hands‑on workshop, and a guided paddle.
PREVENTION
Prevent the introduction of invasive species into the SLELO PRISM.
EARLY DETECTION & RAPID RESPONSE
Rapidly detect new and recent invaders and eliminate all individuals within a specific area.
COOPERATION
Share resources, including funding personnel, equipment, information, and expertise.
INFORMATION MANAGEMENT
Collect, utilize, and share information regarding surveys, infestations, control methods, monitoring, and research.
CONTROL
Control invasive species infestations by using best management practices, methods and techniques to include: ERADICATION (which is to eliminate all individuals and the seed bank from an area), CONTAINMENT (which is reducing the spread of established infestations from entering an uninfested area) and SUPPRESSION which is to reduce the density but not necessarily the total infested area.
RESTORATION
Develop and implement effective restoration methods for areas that have been degraded by invasive species and where suppression or control has taken place.
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Increase public awareness and understanding of invasive species.
INNOVATION
Develop and implement innovative technologies that help us to better understand, visualize, alleviate or manage invasive species and their impacts or that serve to strengthen ecosystem function and/or processes.
Rob Williams
PRISM Coordinator
Megan Pistolese
Outreach and Education
Brittney Rogers
Aquatic Invasive Species
Robert Smith
Terrestrial Invasive Species