Alligatorweed

Alligatorweed is an emersed plant that grows in a variety of habitats, including dry land, but is usually found in water. It may form sprawling mats over the water or along shorelines. Alligatorweed stems are long-branched and hollow. Leaves are simple, elliptical, and have smooth margins. The leaves are the opposite, meaning they appear as two per stem node. The whitish, papery flowers grow on stalks and appear small and spiky, blooming during the warm summer months.

Impact

  • 1

    Recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating can be impaired, prevented.

  • 2

    Excessive Aquatic weeds greatly detract from the aesthetic appeal and possible value of the overall property.

  • 3

    Thick excessive growth around the shoreline can encourage and increase population of frogs, snakes, muskrats, and alligators where applicable.

  • 4

    Aquatic weed overgrowth is ideal for algae growth and leads to increased insect growth for mosquitos.

  • 5

    Too many weeds impede water flow in drainage ditches, irrigation canals, and culverts, causing water to back up.

Location

Alligatorweed can be found in most of the contiguous states but is frequently spotted in the American Southeast.

Solutions

  • BEST SOLUTION