Common Frogbit: Why This Pretty Water Plant Should Stay Out of Your Pond
With its charming heart-shaped leaves and delicate white flowers, common frogbit (Hydrocharis morsusranae) might seem like the perfect addition to your backyard pond. But before you fall for its aquatic appeal, there’s something important you need to know: this European native has earned itself a spot on invasive species watch lists across North America for very good reasons.
What is Common Frogbit?
Common frogbit is a perennial aquatic plant that creates floating mats of glossy, heart-shaped leaves on the water’s surface, much like miniature water lilies. During summer, it produces small white flowers with three petals that peek just above the waterline. As a forb (a non-woody plant), it lacks significant woody tissue and survives year after year through specialized winter buds called turions.
Where You’ll Find It (And Where It’s Causing Problems)
Originally from Europe and western Asia, common frogbit has established itself in parts of eastern North America, including Ontario, Quebec, New Jersey, and New York. While it thrives in these regions, its presence comes with serious ecological consequences.
The Invasive Species Alert
Here’s where things get serious: common frogbit is classified as prohibited or on watch lists in multiple states:
- Michigan: Watch List, Prohibited
- Minnesota: Prohibited
- New Hampshire: Prohibited
- Wisconsin: Prohibited
This isn’t just bureaucratic red tape—these classifications exist because common frogbit can completely take over aquatic ecosystems. It spreads aggressively through stolons (runners) and those winter buds, creating dense mats that crowd out native aquatic plants, reduce oxygen levels, and disrupt the delicate balance that native fish and wildlife depend on.
Why This Plant Spells Trouble
Common frogbit is what ecologists call an obligate wetland species, meaning it almost always occurs in wetlands across all regions where it’s found. While this might sound harmless, its aggressive nature means it can quickly dominate these sensitive ecosystems. The dense floating mats it creates can:
- Block sunlight from reaching submerged native plants
- Reduce water oxygen levels
- Alter habitat for native fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects
- Interfere with recreational activities like boating and swimming
Our Strong Recommendation: Don’t Plant It
Given its invasive status and ecological impact, we strongly advise against planting common frogbit in any water feature, pond, or garden. Even if it’s not yet prohibited in your specific area, introducing this species can have far-reaching consequences for local waterways and native ecosystems.
Beautiful Native Alternatives for Your Water Garden
The good news? There are plenty of gorgeous native aquatic plants that can give you that same floating foliage appeal without the ecological baggage. Consider these alternatives:
- Native water lilies (Nymphaea species)
- Spatterdock or yellow pond lily (Nuphar species)
- Water shield (Brasenia schreberi)
- American lotus (Nelumbo lutea)
These native options will provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local wildlife and maintaining the health of your aquatic ecosystem.
The Bottom Line
While common frogbit might catch your eye with its pretty appearance, this is one plant that’s better admired from a distance—preferably in its native European habitat. By choosing native alternatives for your water garden, you’ll create a beautiful space that works in harmony with your local ecosystem rather than against it. Your pond (and your local environment) will thank you for it!
