What is Ontario Doing?

To prevent the further spread and introduction of this unwanted invader in the province, Ontario has regulated European frog-bit as restricted under the Invasive Species Act. For more information on the Invasive Species Act and Regulations visit www.ontario.ca/invasionON.

Background

European frog-bit is an invasive aquatic plant native to Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. In 1932, the plant was brought from Europe to the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa for possible commercial use as an ornamental plant. In 1939, it was found in the Rideau Canal. Since then, it has spread to several rivers, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and other inland waters. European frog-bit grows rapidly and forms dense, floating mats. It can be found in slow-moving waters, such as sheltered inlets, ponds, slow-running rivers, and ditches. Large areas of frog-bit that die in the fall and decompose may lead to reduced oxygen levels in the water that can affect aquatic life. New plants can grow from stem fragments, seeds, and winter buds known as turions that can be spread to new waters by boats and wildlife.

Range

Outside its native range, European frog-bit is found in the Rideau and Ottawa river systems, the St. Lawrence River, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Kawartha Lakes, and other lakes and rivers in south central and south western Ontario. The plant has also been introduced to some American states, including New York, Vermont, Michigan, and Washington.

For an up to date distribution map of European frog-bit in Ontario, visit www.EDDMapS.org/distribution.

Impacts of European Frog-bit

• The fast-growing plant forms thick mats that reduce biodiversity by crowding out native plants and preventing sunlight from reaching submerged plants.
• When a large colony of the plant dies and decomposes, it removes oxygen from the water, which can affect fish communities and other aquatic life.
• Dense masses of European frog-bit can hinder swimmers and boaters, prevent other recreational uses of waterways, and clog drainage canals and streams.

How to Identify European Frog-bit

• The plant can float free or put down roots up to 50 cm (1.6 ft) long in shallow water.
• It produces a single white flower up to 2 cm (0.8 in) wide with three rounded petals and a yellow centre.
• Leaves are 2.5 – 5 cm (1 – 2 in) wide – about the size of a Canadian one-dollar coin – and round to heart-shaped. They form a rosette up to 6 cm (2.4 in) wide.
• The leaf bottom is purple-red with a spongy coating along the middle vein of the leaf that allows it to float on the water.

European frog-bit looks similar to other native aquatic plants, including North American frog-bit (Limnobium spongia), watershield (Brasenia schreberi), and white water lily (Nymphaea odorata). North American frog-bit leaves have a spongy coating covering the entire bottom of the leaf. Watershield leaves do not form a rosette and the leaves and stems under water have a slimy coating. Mature white water lily leaves are round and much larger – 15 to 30 cm across.

What You Can Do

• Learn how to identify European frog-bit and how to prevent accidentally spreading this plant with your watercraft.
• Clean, Drain, Dry your boat, trailer, and equipment after each use. Remove all plants, animals, and mud before moving to a new waterbody.
• Avoid planting European frog-bit in your aquarium or water garden. Aquarium hobbyists and water gardeners should only use native or non-invasive plants. Ask your retailer for advice on plants that are not invasive.
• Never release unwanted aquarium plants or pets. Return or donate unwanted plants to a garden centre or pet store, or put them in the garbage.
• If you find European frog-bit or another invasive species in the wild, please contact the toll-free Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711, visit EDDMapS, or search for the ‘Invasive Species in Ontario’ project on iNaturalist.org to report a sighting.

Resource Files

Other Resources

• Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
• Ontario Invasive Plant Council
• Invasive Species Centre

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