Invasive – Eradicate
Hygrophila is non-native to Florida and listed on the Federal Noxious Weed List. The plant is predominantly submerged growing up to 6 feet long. A few inches can be seen emersed above water. The rooted perennial plant has alternating leaves with a green to reddish brown color. Leaves are about 1 1/2 inches long and approximately 1/2 wide. The small white to blueish flowers are found at the emersed stems and typically covered by the leaves and concealed. A key trait of Hygrophila is its square stems. The plant is highly branched, creeps ascendantly forming dense mat-like coverage. It is quick growing, aggressive and can outcompete surrounding species. It has also been known to compete with and replace, Hydrilla and other invasive species.
