European Frog's-bit Identification & Treatment
Scientific Name: Hydrocharis morsus-ranae Category: Floating Tier: 3 — Localized — Limited geographic range or lower frequency
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Identification
European frog's-bit has small (1–2 inch), kidney to heart-shaped floating leaves and dangling roots. Produces small white 3-petaled flowers. Resembles a miniature water lily but is free-floating (not rooted to the bottom). Key distinguishing features:
- Small heart/kidney-shaped floating leaves
- Free-floating (not rooted)
- White 3-petaled flowers
- Spongy tissue on underside of leaf
Treatment
- Harvester (diquat) — Contact herbicide.
- Propeller (flumioxazin) — Contact herbicide.
- Physical removal effective for small infestations.
Full Profile
- Native Range: Europe and western Asia
- US Distribution: Great Lakes region, northeastern US. EPA Ecoregions: Northern Lakes and Forests, Erie Drift Plain. USDA Zones 3–7.
- Regulatory Status: Listed as invasive in Great Lakes states. Michigan and others prohibit sale and possession.
- Habitat: Sheltered bays, marshes, slow streams with calm water.
- Reproduction: Stolons and turions. Turions survive winter on the bottom and float up in spring.
- Ecological Benefits: Minimal in invaded range. Forms dense surface mats that shade out native vegetation.
Sources: MSU Extension | USDA PLANTS Database
Related Species
- Duckweed (Lemna minor and related species (L. gibba, L. turionifera, Spirodela polyrhiza)) — Floating, Tier 1
- Watermeal (Wolffia spp. (W. columbiana, W. brasiliensis)) — Floating, Tier 1
- Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) — Floating, Tier 1
- Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) — Floating, Tier 2
- Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) — Floating, Tier 2
- Mosquito Fern (Azolla) (Azolla spp.) — Floating, Tier 3
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