Water hyacinth
Quick Facts |  |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Eichhornia crassipes |
| Origin | South America |
| Introduction | 1880s, horticulturists |
| Aquatic community | Floating |
| Habitat | Water surfaces |
| Distribution | Statewide, especially peninsula |
| Management effort | Maintenance control |
| 2012 public waters / plant acres: | 211 / 2,823 |
Environmental and Economic Concerns
- Populations double in as little as two weeks
- Disperses by seeds and stolons
- Harbors mosquitoes
- Increases sedimentation by shedding roots and shoots
- Dense mats prevent air and light diffusion into water
- killing native plants, fish and wildlife
- preventing decomposition of detritus
- Mats jam against bridges and flood control structures
- Reduces property values and local tax revenues
Eichhornia crassipes
Water hyacinth
Management Options | |
|---|---|
| Biological | Two weevil species and a moth larvae stress plants, reducing plant size, vigor, and seed production |
| Chemical | 2,4-D, diquat, occasionally glyphosate, copper, imazamox, penoxsulam |
| Mechanical | Harvesters or shredders at bridges or flood control structures |
| Physical | Occasional hand pulling pioneer populations |
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Status of the Aquatic Plant Maintenance Program in Florida Public Waters, Annual Report – Fiscal Year 2009-2010.
Last updated: 13 May 2013