10/05/2026
Water hyacinth, also known as common water hyacinth, is a non-native floating perennial aquatic plant that is native to South America.
Above the water's surface, this plant grows waxy, leathery leaves that can vary slightly in shape from round to more oval or paddle-shaped. They are often not flat but rather have a concave or convex curve along the leaf plane. At the base of the leaves is an inflated, bulb-like petiole that provides buoyancy to the plant.
Flowering typically occurs in summer through early fall. A single, erect stem will bear several showy, 6-petal flowers that are light purple in color with dark purple striations on petals and a single, bright yellow dot on the uppermost petal.
Under the water's surface, the plant grows feathery roots that can become very dense.
This plant has been reported across the southeastern U.S. and can be found in ponds and slow-moving waters in north, central, and south Alabama.
Although this plant was introduced for its beauty as an ornamental aquatic species, it can aggressively spread in stagnant or slow-moving fresh water. Dense mats or heavy infestations can negatively impact ecosystem health by reducing dissolved oxygen and outcompeting native vegetation. Navigation and recreation can also be impacted by infestations of this species. Remember to never introduce this plant or other aquarium species to water bodies. Small infestations may be hand-pulled, but larger infestations will need to be mechanically removed or chemically treated. For more information on aquatic w**d control, visit our Alabama Extension website for the "W**d Management in Lakes and Ponds" article or call your local office.
Join the 2026 Year of Alabama Invasive Plants Project to raise awareness, improve identification skills, and take action against invasive species. Visit the ACES Year of Alabama Invasive Plants Project to learn more and take the pledge.
