Little Floating Heart

Scientific Name: Nymphoides Cordata

This aquatic plant is native to Ontario, Quebec, and parts of the eastern US. It is uncommon to see this species in the Ottawa area, but it can be found in other parts of the main stem of the Ottawa River, particularly between Renfrew, ON and Pontiac, QC. The presence of this species is often an indicator that the aquatic plant community is especially rich. 

Little Floating Heart got its name from its heart shaped leaves. It also looks just like an invasive species, called Yellow Floating Heart, and a related non-native species, called Water Snowflake. Read a story about potential mis-identification on our blog!

Photo by Dan Brunton