ORIGIN

Europe

COMMON NAME

Water lily

BOTANICAL NAME

Nymphaea spp.

Photo source: DOC Northland 9B-0

IDENTIFICATION

Aquatic herb. Rhizomatous (with underwater stems) herb, leaves circular, floating, long stalked. Flowers 100-200 mm diameter, star-shaped, petals numerous, showy, mostly white or yellow, rarely pink. Many cultivars.

HABITATS

Still waters of streams, river backwaters, ponds, lake bays. Local and not common but should be watched for - includes water lily (N. alba) and Mexican water lily (N. mexicana).

IMPACT TO BIOTA AND ECOSYSTEMS

Can spread to cover huge areas displacing and shading out native vegetation. A threat to some of our rare species.

DISPERSAL ROUTES, VECTORS, INFESTATION SOURCES

Usually arising from ornamental plantings.

MANAGEMENT

Physical Control
Can be removed mechanically rather than chemically.

Disposal

Chemical Control
Glyphosate: A consent is required to apply herbicide over water.

Biological Control

Recommended Approach

FURTHER COMMENT