2512

Floating aquatic (the roots floating); Forb
Perennial

Non-native: tropical America

Documented growing wild in GA NC SC

Uncommon

Look for it in ponds, ditches, sluggish water, per Weakley's Flora

To see a detailed map, click here

INVASIVE

This plant is causing problems in natural areas outside its native range, according to authorities such as:

• Alabama Invasive Plant Council, 2012
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden
• Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2006
• Kentucky Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2013
• SC Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Nuisance Species List, 2003
• SC List of Regulated Pest Plant Species, 2017
• Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2009
• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, 2014

 

Aquatic

LEAVES:
Simple
Basal rosette

FLOWER:
Summer/Fall
Blue, light purple
Bisexual
4 petaloid perianth segments, in two whorls
6 stamens (3 long, 3 short)
Superior ovary

FRUIT:
Summer/Fall
Capsule

 

TO LEARN MORE about this plant, look it up in a good book!

• Field Guide to Aquatic Plants of Alabama p62
• Guide to the Wildflowers of SC p394
• Wildflowers of the Carolina Lowcountry p111
• Wildflowers of the Eastern United States p159

Spermatophytes (seed plants): Angiosperms (flowering plants): Monocots: Commelinids: Commelinales

WEAKLEY'S FLORA (11/30/12):
Eichhornia crassipes   FAMILY Pontederiaceae

SYNONYMOUS WITH PLANTS NATIONAL DATABASE:
Eichhornia crassipes   FAMILY Pontederiaceae

SYNONYMOUS WITH VASCULAR FLORA OF THE CAROLINAS (1968) 039-01-001:
Eichhornia crassipes   FAMILY Pontederiaceae

SYNONYMOUS WITH Manual of the Southeastern Flora (Small, 1933)
Piaropus crassipes