The biology of Canadian weeds. 124. Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L.

Abstract

European frog-bit (Hydrocharis morsus-ranae L.), a free-floating, stoloniferous aquatic, is native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. It was discovered in Canada in 1932 in Ottawa, but earlier introduction is possible. By 1955 its North American distribution extended from Ottawa to Montreal. By 1980 it had extended southwest to Lake Ontario and northeast to Quebec City. Recently it has spread throughout much of the central and southwestern parts of southern Ontario, and further into northern New York and Vermont and eastern Michigan. The maximum rate of spread has been 15.6 km yr-1. Reproduction by seeds is rarely reported but vegetative reproduction is very important in spread and colonization. In the fall, turions separate from the plant, sinking to the bottom where they overwinter. In the spring, these turions grow into small floating rosettes. Extremely rapid stoloniferous growth during the summer months results in the formation of large masses of interlocking plants that diminish native submerged aquatic plant communities by reducing available light. It is also of importance in limiting water flow in irrigation systems and restricting water traffic, thereby hindering recreational activity. Management has been largely mechanical. Hydrocharis morsus-ranae is a food plant for several water birds, rodents, fish and insects. Key words: Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, weed biology, aquatic, Canada distribution, alien, European frog-bit, invasive spread