Yellow Floating Hearts

 

Yellow floating heart is an invasive species that was originally cultivated for ornamental ponds. However, it has moved into our lakes and streams both accidentally and intentionally. This introduction has had serious impacts on the quality of water bodies and recreational areas.

DESCRIPTION

Yellow floating heart closely resembles a water lily and grows very rapidly, covering a water body quickly. Most of the leaves are floating but some can remain submerged causing competition throughout the entire water column.

IMPACT

If the mass of yellow floating heart becomes to large and dense, it can create stagnant, low oxygen conditions. This would force fish and other aquatic life would be to move and native plants would also have to compete for space, sunlight, and nutrients. This impact would also greatly impede fishing, skiing, swimming, and boating activities.

MANAGEMENT

Prevention is the key for management. Always, clean, drain, and dry equipment, boats, and trailers that have potentially been in contact with yellow floating heart. For plants already established, management has been difficult. Physical or mechanical removal can suffice but greatly aids in dispersal. Dredging has been found ineffective because roots are missed and continue to survive. Chemical application has been successful but not long lasting and could risk other aquatic organisms.