This article was featured in the 2026 Spring Newsletter by Adrien Owens, SLELO PRISM.
Yellow floating heart (YFH) (Nymphoides peltata) is an invasive aquatic plant native to parts of Asia and Europe that has been introduced widely across North America. With its bright yellow flowers and floating heart-shaped leaves, this species is often mistaken for a harmless ornamental plant, but beneath the surface, it poses significant risks to freshwater ecosystems.
What Does It Look Like?
Yellow floating heart is a rooted, perennial aquatic plant that anchors itself in underwater sediment. Its rounded, heart-shaped leaves float on the water’s surface and range from 3–12 cm in diameter, often appearing slightly wavy or scalloped along the edges. From June through September, the plant produces showy, five-petaled yellow flowers that rise just above the water surface on slender stalks.
While the flowers are eye-catching, they are not the most reliable feature for identification, as they are only present for part of the growing season. The floating leaves, root system, and growth habit provide more consistent clues.
Why Is Yellow Floating Heart a Problem?
Despite its ornamental appeal, yellow floating heart can cause serious ecological impacts once established. The plant spreads aggressively, forming dense mats of floating vegetation that crowd out native aquatic plants, block sunlight, reduces water flow, lowers dissolved oxygen levels, and alters nutrient cycling within the waterbody.
Over time, these changes can degrade habitat quality for fish, invertebrates, and other aquatic wildlife, while also limiting recreational use of lakes, ponds, and wetlands.
How Does It Spread?
Yellow floating heart spreads efficiently through multiple reproductive pathways, making it particularly difficult to control:
- Rhizomes (spreading underground root systems)
- Stolons (horizontal stems that form new plants)
- Plant fragments, which can break off and re-root elsewhere
- Seeds, allowing long-distance dispersal
YFH plant thrives in slow-moving or still waters such as ponds, lakes, wetlands, and channels. It can grow in water depths of up to 12 feet and is resilient enough to persist even during periods of very low water.
Where Is It Found?
In New York State, yellow floating heart is prohibited to sell, though it may still be legally sold in some neighboring states—raising concerns about accidental introduction. Within the SLELO region, the species is currently classified as a Tier 1 invasive, meaning it is not yet known to be established in our region.
However, the risk is increasing. In 2024, yellow floating heart was detected nearby in the Finger Lakes PRISM region in Marcellus (Onondaga County). That population has been managed for the past two years through hand-pulling efforts, with additional management planned pending permitting for 2026.
What Can You Do?
- Early detection and prevention are critical for keeping yellow floating heart out of the SLELO region.
- Learn to identify yellow floating hearts and similar aquatic plants
- Avoid planting or transporting aquatic ornamentals
- Clean boats, gear, and equipment before moving between waterbodies
- Report suspected sightings to SLELO or your local PRISM
With increased awareness and community involvement, we can help prevent this invasive species from taking root close to home. Learn more about YFH.
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