Recognizing Florida’s Invasive Species
Water Lettuce
Pistia Stratiotes
Easily recognized floating aquatic plants resembling “heads of lettuce”; Water Lettuce has think, light green leaves, without any leaf stalks. Because of it’s ability to spread quickly, clog waterways, and overtake native vegetation, Water Lettuce is a prohibited in Florida.
Water Hyacinth
Eichhornia Crassipes
The infamous Water Hyacinth can be found throughout Florida, and is among the worst “aquatic weeds” as it grows in nearly all freshwater environments. Although it’s striking flowers and bright green leaves may have ornamental enticements, Water Hyacinth forms dense mats - leaving native plants and fish at risk of decline, not to mention the halting of water recreation.
Hydrilla
Hydrilla Verticillata
This submerged plant can stem up to the surface from 20-25 feet. Capable of growing in very little sunlight and in nearly any of Florida’s freshwaters, Hydrilla impedes water flow from within, invading submersed natives and taking away from recreational enjoyment such as fishing, boating, and swimming.
Wild Taro
Colocasia esculenta
Dotted Duckweed
Landoltia punctata
Brazilian Peppertree
Schinus terebinthifolia
Melaleuca
Melaleuca quinquenervia
Chinese Tallow
Triadica sebifera
Alligator-weed
Alternanthera philoxeroides
Water Spinach
Ipomoea aquatica
Eurasian Water-Milfoil
Myriophyllum spicatum
Crested Floating Heart
Nymphoides cristata