Family: Umbelliferae

Origin: N America

This is a vigorous emergent aquatic species, becoming popular in garden ponds; related to the common Northern Ireland native species Hydrocotyle vulgaris, and rather like a very large version of that plant. Unfortunately it is an invasive species, quite rare and local in the wild at present, but a potential nuisance in ponds and lakes.

Excess growth of this plant should be carefully destroyed to avoid it getting into watercourses, lakes and ponds; or better still, do not grow this plant in your garden!

The photographs show plants in Glastry clay pits, Ards Peninsula, Co Down.