Water HyacinthEichhornia crassipes

Presented By: Kaydee Oliver

Introduction Native to Brazil

Introduced to the United States approximately1884 in New Orleans.

Free Floating Perennial

Obligate Plant

Water Hyacinths are found globally in tropical and sub-tropic climates. They are also can be found in temperate climates however they are not winter hardy.

Thrives in all types of freshwater sources.

Located on Florida’s Prohibited Aquatic Plant List.

Characteristics Flowers: 8-15 lavender flowers form a single spike, each flower has 6 petals, the uppermost petal of each flower is slightly larger with a blue and yellow splotch in the center.

Leaves: Entire, rounded, and rosette shaped . They are 6 inches wide, waxy green, water proof, and have numerous fine veins.

Roots: Purplish to black, feathery, and submersed.

Distribution In Arizona, Arkansas and Washington, the Water Hyacinth is believed to be "eradicated".

In New York, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Missouri, as well as farther north the Water Hyacinth can live during the summer months, however it does not survive though the winter.

Water Hyacinth has not been found in Pennsylvania.

Problems 1 acre of Water Hyacinth plants can weight up to 200 tons! In 6-18 days they can double there mat size.

Mats of these plants block air supply, reducing oxygen levels, eliminating fish and other aquatic plants and life.

Make boating and fishing impossible.

Florida spends millions each year to control the Water Hyacinth from clogging waterways.

Control The weed weevils Neochetina bruchi (left) and Neochetina eichhorniae (right) have been found to be very effective in controlling the Water Hyacinth.

Removing with a chopping machine or another type of mechanical harvester.

Use of approved aquatic herbicides are can provide temporary relief as well.

Clean your equipment before moving from one body of water to another.

Before buying a plant for your backyard pond consider the risks of each plant you chose.

SourcesUSDA. USDA . 29 September 2012. 29 September 2012 <http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=EICR&photoID=eicr_012_ahp.tif>.

Victor Ramey, Barbara Peichel. Water Hyacinth . 1 June 2001. 29 September 2012 <http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/141>.