Hydrocharis morsus-ranae (Frogbit / Kikkerbeet)

Hydrocharis morsus-ranae, the European Frogbit (Kikkerbeet in Dutch), is one of the most beloved native floating plants of Dutch and Belgian ponds, producing small, glossy, kidney-shaped leaves that float elegantly on the water surface like miniature lily pads. During summer it produces delicate three-petalled white flowers with bright yellow centers that attract pollinators and add a charming floral accent to the pond surface. Unlike many exotic floating plants it is genuinely cold-hardy in a Belgian/Dutch climate — as winter approaches it produces small overwintering buds called turions that sink to the pond bottom, then float back up and sprout new plants in spring. It provides natural surface shade to reduce algae growth without overpowering the pond, and its trailing white root system provides spawning habitat and fry shelter for native fish.

Float freely on the pond surface in full sun for best growth and flowering. Thin regularly in summer as it can spread to cover a large surface area under warm conditions. Allow to produce turions naturally before the first autumn frost — do not remove all plants from the pond. Turions sink and overwinter at the pond bottom, re-emerging reliably in spring. No feeding or special care required.