Non-native – Invasive – Eradicate
Originally native to South America, Water Hyacinth is now naturalized throughout the Southern U.S. Considered a nuisance, its dense mats can cause considerable problems in waterways. The dark green perennial aquatic plant is free-floating growing up to 3 feet in height. Leaves are shiny, elliptical and cupped in shape ranging from 4 to 8 inches long. The blades are attached to a petiole. The submerged portion of the plant is highly branched, thick and develops an intense root system. The flowers are light blue and protrude from a spike. Reproduction consists of seeds, fragmentation, budding and stolen.
