Fringed water lily

Fringed water lily is a floating, perennial, aquatic herb that looks very similar to entire marshwort.

Description

• The main difference between fringed water lily and entire marshwort are its leaves. Fringed water lily leaves have scalloped margins whereas entire marshwort leaf margins are entire.

• Flowers are golden yellow, 3-4cm in diameter, and held above the water on a stalk visible between October – April.

• Flower edges are very fringed and solid rather than hairlike filaments of entire marshwort.

• Fruits are a capsule up to 2.5cm long.

• Seeds are flat and oval with hairy edges.

• Seeds are adapted for dispersal by birds and water but predominantly via vegetative spread from stolons.

• Habitats include rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, ditches, and canals.

What you need to know

Fringed water lilies grow into dense infestations that outcompete native species. Their dense vegetation blocks waterways impeding drainage, disrupting recreational activities and choking hydro turbines. 

Management approach

Fringed water lily is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Rules

Any species declared a pest, including unwanted organisms, cannot be sold or be in a place where plants are being sold. Pest plants cannot be propagated, bred, or multiplied, communicated, released, or cause to be released, or otherwise spread.

Control

Do not attempt to undertake control of fringed water lily yourself. Report any sightings to us.