Water Hyacinth is a free-floating aquatic plant native to tropical South America that has become naturalized across the southern United States. It bears beautiful lavender-blue flowers with yellow-spotted upper petals and inflated, spongy leaf stalks that keep it afloat. While it is one of the fastest-growing plants on Earth and can double in area in two weeks, it also forms dense mats that block sunlight, deplete oxygen, and impede boat navigation. It is considered invasive in many US states.
Habitat
Naturalized in ponds, lakes, rivers, and canals across the southern United States.
Diet
Provides resting platforms for birds and frogs; flowers visited by bees; roots shelter small fish and invertebrates.
How common
Uncommon
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