SafePlants

Yellow Floating Heart and Little Floating Heart: A Detailed Look

This article explores two aquatic plants: Yellow Floating Heart and Little Floating Heart, delving into their taxonomy, distribution, and potential interactions within their environment.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Some species have heart-shaped leaves, which could be appealing to children or pets.
• The plants grow in aquatic environments, which could present a water safety risk for unsupervised children or pets.

Scientific and Common Names

• Yellow Floating Heart: Also known as Fringed Water Lily.
• Little Floating Heart: Nymphoides cordata.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Little Floating Heart:
  • Scientific Name: Nymphoides cordata (Elliott) Fernald
  • Family: Menyanthaceae
  • Synonyms: The text mentions variations in nomenclature, such as "Nymphoides cordata (Ell.) Fern."

Distribution and Habitat

• Yellow Floating Heart: Native to Asia, but now found elsewhere.
• Little Floating Heart: Found in the floating-leaved plant community, specifically in the quiet waters of lakes. It is native to Florida and has been identified in Dartmouth’s Little Albro Lake. Found in New Hampshire as well.

Ecological Role

• Yellow Floating Heart: Described as an "aggressive exotic aquatic plant." The text alludes to management and prevention efforts, indicating it can be invasive.
• Little Floating Heart: A native plant, and in some areas, an alternative to invasive species.

Morphological Characteristics

• Little Floating Heart: Leaves are small (2 to 5 cm across), heart-shaped with smooth edges. Possesses tiny, banana-like tubular roots.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions that Crested Floating Heart can be mistaken for native plants like Little Floating Heart.

Management and Control

• Little information is available on the control of Yellow Floating Heart.