Water Hyacinth

Description

Management Options

Other Photos

Eichhoria crassipes

Non-Native

Water hyacinth is native to South America but has naturalized much of the Southern U.S.

Water hyacinth is a free-floating perennial plant that can grow to a height of 3 feet. The dark green leave blades are circular to elliptical in shape attached to a spongy, inflated petiole. Underneath the water is a thick, heavily branched, dark fibrous root system. The water hyacinth has striking light blue to violet flowers located on a terminal spike. Water hyacinth is a very aggressive invader and can form thick mats. If these mats cover the entire surface of the pond they can cause oxygen depletions and fish kills. Water hyacinths should be controlled so they do not cover the entire pond.

Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called "cetritus" for many aquatic invertebrates. Water hyacinth has no known direct food value to wildlife and is considered a pest species.

This plant is not native to North America and it is illegal to possess or transport this species in Texas. Please report any sightings of this plant to Texas Park and Wildlife Department.

Floating Plant Index

"" indicates Non-Native plants.
Bladderwort Common Duckweed Common Salvinia Giant Duckweed Giant Salvinia	Mosquito Fern Water Hyacinth Water Lettuce Watermeal