Texas Coastal Program

Giant salvinia:Salvinia molesta

Giant Salvinia, Salvinia molesta, a non-native extremely invasive aquatic fern continues to spread throughout the southern region of the United States.  Since its original identification, the plant has been documented in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Arizona, Hawaii, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, and most recently California. The most severe infestation in the United States was recently discovered in Liberty County, Texas where an estimated 1,000 acres of waterfowl habitat has been heavily impacted and degraded.

Salvinia molestahas been called the world's worst weed and possesses the capability of doubling it's surface area in 5-7 days and thus overwhelming aquatic ecosystems.  Sites subject to infestation include open-water systems, wetlands, irrigation canals, floodwater drainage canals, cooling ponds, water intake systems and rice fields. Impacts to wildlife habitat, as well as agriculture, aquaculture, recreation, industrial and commercial interests can be expected. 

Giant salvinia can spread by many ways.  Plants can be carried overland by anything entering infested waters.  Boats and other recreational watercraft can transport this invasive plant from one water body to another.  Boaters and anglers can help prevent spread by removing all aquatic plants from propellers, intakes, trailers, and gear before leaving a launch area.