711

Submersed aquatic (rooted); Forb
Perennial
Dioecious (a monoecious form exists north of SC)

Non-native: Old World

Documented growing wild in GA NC SC

Uncommon, but often locally abundant

Look for it in ponds, lakes, rivers, 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
• Georgia Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2006
• Kentucky Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2013
• NC Department of Transportation
• SC Department of Natural Resources Aquatic Nuisance Species List, 2003
• SC List of Regulated Pest Plant Species, 2017
• Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council, 2009
• US Fish & Wildlife Service
• USDA Federal Noxious Weed List, 093014
• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, 2014

 

 

Aquatic

LEAVES:
Simple
Whorls of 4-8
Margins toothed with sharp stout teeth

FLOWER:
Summer
Whitish sepals & translucent petals in female flowers, male reddish-brown
3 sepals in pistillate flowers
3 petals in pistillate flowers
Flowers solitary on elongate flexuous stalks

FRUIT:
Summer/Fall
Capsule

 

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

• Field Guide to Aquatic Plants of Alabama p42
• Invasive Plants, Guide to Identification, Impacts and Control p429
• Invasive Exotic Plants of North Carolina p054

Spermatophytes (seed plants): Angiosperms (flowering plants): Monocots: Alismatales

WEAKLEY'S FLORA (11/30/12):
Hydrilla verticillata   FAMILY Hydrocharitaceae

SYNONYMOUS WITH PLANTS NATIONAL DATABASE:
Hydrilla verticillata   FAMILY Hydrocharitaceae