Invasive Plant Found Near Lake Michigan

lakemichigan7534-2
lakemichigan7534-2

An invasive plant that has spread around the east side of the state has been found near Lake Michigan. Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy aquatic biologist Willian Keiper tells WSJM News it’s the European frogbit.

“It’s a free-floating lily pad that’s about the size of a half dollar,” Keiper said. “It’s a very aggressive aquatic plant, kind of a heart-shaped little lily.”

Keiper says the lily pad can cause problems for native vegetation, animals, and boats.

“It overtakes water bodies fairly quickly, and it can quickly reproduce, form a dense mass, impede navigation.”

EGLE says the European frogbit was found this month in the Grand River in Grand Haven and in Pentwater Lake in Oceana County. Keiper says boaters should wash their watercraft and make sure they don’t have plant matter on them when moving them. If you see the European frogbit, you’re asked to report it to MSU Extension.