Water Snowflake
Nymphoides indica
Nymphoides indica, also known as water snowflake, floating heart, or robust marshwort, is an aquatic perennial native to tropic areas around the world, including the Caribbean, South America, Asia, and Africa. This plant has begun spreading to non-native tropical areas, such as Florida and Hawaii, where it is considered invasive. In North Carolina, this plant is listed as a Class A State Noxious Weed. This means it cannot be sold, transported or propagated anywhere in the state.
Water snowflake grows from rhizomes at the bottom of ponds and lakes, resulting in stems that can grow up to 10ft long. The main structure of the plant is found at the water’s surface; its round, flat, emerald-green leaves look similar to those of a water lily, and have a diameter of 2-8”. The flowers of the N. indica are distinct, due to their bright white petals whose edges are densely fringed and give the plant its snowflake appearance. The flowers are 1 inch in diameter, generally have 5 or 6 petals, a yellow center, and bloom on stalks above the floating leaves.
Nymphoides indica spreads through its seeds, which are brown, spherical, and less than 1.5mm wide. It can also spread through fragmentation, making it hard to manage in unwanted places. Water snowflake can form a dense mat on the water’s surface, thereby impeding water flow, promoting stagnation, and creating low-oxygen conditions. It excludes native plants and alters the nearby ecosystem for insects and animals who are dependent on such natives. Additionally, N. indica impedes recreational activities.
If you think you have seen this plant, please contact the North Carolina Department of Agriculture at 1-800-206-9333 or the Regulatory Weed Specialist at (919) 707-3741 with email jarred.driscoll@ncagr.gov.
Water snowflake grows from rhizomes at the bottom of ponds and lakes, resulting in stems that can grow up to 10ft long. The main structure of the plant is found at the water’s surface; its round, flat, emerald-green leaves look similar to those of a water lily, and have a diameter of 2-8”. The flowers of the N. indica are distinct, due to their bright white petals whose edges are densely fringed and give the plant its snowflake appearance. The flowers are 1 inch in diameter, generally have 5 or 6 petals, a yellow center, and bloom on stalks above the floating leaves.
Nymphoides indica spreads through its seeds, which are brown, spherical, and less than 1.5mm wide. It can also spread through fragmentation, making it hard to manage in unwanted places. Water snowflake can form a dense mat on the water’s surface, thereby impeding water flow, promoting stagnation, and creating low-oxygen conditions. It excludes native plants and alters the nearby ecosystem for insects and animals who are dependent on such natives. Additionally, N. indica impedes recreational activities.
If you think you have seen this plant, please contact the North Carolina Department of Agriculture at 1-800-206-9333 or the Regulatory Weed Specialist at (919) 707-3741 with email jarred.driscoll@ncagr.gov.
