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  1. Services »
  2. Plant and animal pests »
  3. Water poppy
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Management programme
Eradication.
Objectives
Reduce the level of infestation of Water poppy within the Waikato region to zero density to prevent adverse effects and impact.
Impacts
Biodiversity, water quantity/quality, social and cultural wellbeing, amenity/recreation

Water poppy is native to Venezuela and Brazil. It was introduced to New Zealand through the ornamental aquatic trade and was recorded as naturalised in New Zealand by 1988.

Close up image of a water poppy

What does it look like?

Leaves and roots grow in clusters along the stems, which float just below the water surface.

Leaves

  • Leaves are thick and glossy and quite round.
  • They are green on top and purplish on the underside.
  • The midrib on the underside of the leaf is inflated.

Flowers

  • Flowers are pale yellow with three petals and a purple centre.
  • They appear from November to April.

Similar plants

Yellow water lily (Nuphar lutea) has thick spongy underwater stems (<10 cm) and larger leaves (<30cm wide x 40cm long). Marshwort (Nymphoides geminata) and fringed water lily (N. peltata) do not have an inflated main vein on underside of leaf, and they have wings on the outer edges of their petals.

Where is it found?

Still or slow-flowing water less than 2m deep. Prefers open, warm, nutrient rich conditions, but will tolerate cool climates.

Why is it a pest?

  • Spreads by people moving the plants between waterways.
  • Water poppy grows extremely fast, outcompeting native aquatic plants and quickly, forming dense floating mats that shade and crowd out submerged aquatic plants.

How does it spread?

Spreads by plantlets or stem fragments carried by water, boats, fishing gear or machinery. No seed is produced in New Zealand.

Responsibility for control

Waikato Regional Council is responsible for the control of water poppy within the Waikato region. If you think you’ve seen it, call us – don’t try to control it yourself.

All persons shall inform Waikato Regional Council of the presence of Water poppy in the Waikato region, within five working days of the presence first being suspected (rule WPOP-1 of the Waikato Regional Pest Management Plan 2022-2032) and to liaise with Waikato Regional Council in areas where control programmes are in place.

If water poppy is present on a property that is to be subdivided or developed, there are additional rules and requirements that apply under section 6.6 of the RPMP 2022-2032.

Water poppy is banned from being sold, propagated, distributed, or included in commercial displays.

Neutral

How do you get rid of it?

Water poppy is exceedingly difficult to control. Please do not attempt to control it. Let us know if you think you have seen this plant or have it on your property by calling 0800 800 401 to report it to your local biosecurity pest plant officer.

More information

Publications 

The following publications are available for download or from Waikato Regional Council. Contact us to request a copy (freephone 0800 800 401).