Water Lettuce

Water lettuce is a free-floating plant with many spongy, dusty green leaves that resemble lettuce. The leaves are covered in very fine hairs and arranged in a spiral pattern from the center of the plant. The leaves are generally 1 6 inches wide and have large veins running their length. The plants do have flowers, which are seldom seen. Water lettuce is a very aggressive invader and can easily form thick floating mats.

Impact

  • 1

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

  • 2

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

  • 3

    Excessive growth can lead to fish stunting, overpopulation, and in extreme cases, fish kills.

  • 4

    Floating weeds can blanket the entire surface and decrease the oxygen to dangerous levels for fish.

  • 5

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

Location

Water Lettuce can be found in most of the contiguous states.

Similar or Related Plants

It is frequently misidentified as Salvinia .

Solutions

  • BEST SOLUTION