Hydrilla

Hydrilla is a submersed perennial plant with long, branching stems that can fragment to form large, dense floating mats. This plant flowers from June to July in warm climates. The flowers are small, white, and sometimes difficult to spot. Hydrilla is very common in warmer climates such as those in Florida, Georgia, and Texas. Hydrilla leaves grow in whorls around the stem and have sharp, pointy edges. Stems can grow as large as 25 feet in length and cover ponds quickly.

Impact

  • 1

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

  • 2

    Dense mats of Aquatic weeds can block sunlight from native submerged plants.

  • 3

    Aquatic weeds greatly detract from the aesthetic appeal of a body of water.

  • 4

    Excessive growth can lead to fish stunting and overpopulation. This occurs because the production of too much habitat prevents effective feeding of small fish by larger fish.

  • 5

    Aquatic weeds can cause fish kills.

  • 6

    Aquatic weed growth provides quiet water areas ideal for mosquito breeding.

  • 7

    Weeds impede water flow in drainage ditches, irrigation canals, and culverts and cause water to back up.

Location

Hydrilla can be found in most of the contiguous states.

Similar or Related Plants

It is frequently misidentified as Elodea, Coontail .

Solutions

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