Fringed water lily

(Nymphoides peltata)

This small yellow-flowered water lily is locally established in lakes, rivers and ponds throughout the country.

Where it is introduced to relatively static, shallow and organically rich habitats it spreads rapidly and carpets extensive areas of watercourse. By so doing, it restricts light to resident aquatic plants and effectively eliminates them.

In angling waters, it obstructs free casting and makes it difficult for hooked fish to be safely landed.

Distribution of fringed water lily in Ireland

Data from Biodiversity Maps held by the National Biodiversity Data Centre www.biodiversityireland.ie 2011