Floating aquatic herb. Rhizomes are stout and < 6 cm wide. Stems are spongy and < 3 m long. Leaves are round, leathery, < 30 cm in diameter with green/pink undersides and distinct midrib. Flowers are < 20 cm in diameter, white/pale pink with yellow centres and floating or held just above the water's surface. Hybrid flowers may be orange/pink/red/cream.
Although common water lily is not a legally declared pest plant, it may still be invasive in some situations. Consider lower risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.
Still or slow-moving water bodies at depth of < 2 m, lakes, dams, ponds, ornamental pools.
Seeds dispersed by water and possibly animals. Vegetative spread from rhizomes and rhizome fragments. Human-mediated dispersal through deliberate plantings.
Can alter habitat for aquatic plant and bird species and displace native submerged plants.
Follow up treated areas 3 times per year.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
Mexican water lily has vertical rhizomes whereas common water lily has horizontal ones.
Marshwort have thin stolons, unlike the thick spongy ones of common water lily. It also has a has a small five-petalled flower with feathery edges.
