Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Crested Floating-heart (Nymphoides hydrophylla)

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally and are of establishment concern for the contiguous United States based on a climate matching analysis.

Nymphoides hydrophylla, Crested Floating-heart, is an aquatic plant that is native to Asia, ranging from India and Pakistan to China. In its native range it is used for ornamental, medicinal, and food purposes. It was introduced to the United States as an ornamental pond plant. N. hydrophylla has been documented as established in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. Where established, it forms dense mats which block sunlight, impede water flow, and alter habitats. It may also hybridize with Nymphoides species native to the United States. The History of Invasiveness for Nymphoides hydrophylla is classified as High due to multiple documented negative impacts of its introduction. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species. Areas of high climate match were found mainly in the eastern United States. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as High. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for N. hydrophylla in the contiguous United States is High.