alligatorweed |
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| Caryophyllales > Amaranthaceae > Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb.
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| Synonym(s): alligator weed, pig weed |
| Alligatorweed is an emergent or rooted floating plant that invades aquatic areas and adjoining uplands throughout the southern portions of the United States. Plants have hollow stems and can grow to 3 ft. (1 m) tall. Opposite, elliptical leaves are thick but non-succulent and are up to 4 in. (10 cm) long. Flowering occurs during the summer with white, clover-like heads in the axils of the leaves. Alligatorweed roots in wet soils or shallow water and grows out into waterways. Alligatorweed can also grow terrestrially, forming smaller, tougher leaves. The thick mats can displace native vegetation and wildlife habitat, clog waterways, restrict oxygen levels of water, increase sedimentation, interfere with irrigation and prevent drainage. Alligatorweed is native to South America and was first introduced into the United States around 1900 in ballast water. |
Identification, Biology, Control and Management Resources
Selected Images
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| Number: | 4723003 |
| Description: | Flower(s); the white flowers are arranged in stalked, short, headlike spikes, and have a style |
| Photographer: | Gary Buckingham, USDA Agricultural Research Service |
| | Additional Resolutions and Image Usage |
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| Number: | 5306061 |
| Description: | Diagram or Graphic; USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. |
| Photographer: | USDA PLANTS Database, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database |
| | Additional Resolutions and Image Usage |
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External Links
Invasive Reference(s)
Subject Reference(s)
- USDA, NRCS. 2001. The PLANTS Database, Version 3.1, National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA. -
http://plants.usda.gov/
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