Common Salvinia Identification & Treatment
Scientific Name: Salvinia minima Category: Floating Tier: 2 — Regionally Significant — Invasive in southern states
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Identification
Common salvinia is a small floating fern with oval leaves arranged in pairs along a central stem. Leaves are about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long with fine hairs on the upper surface that lie flat (unlike the "egg-beater" hairs of giant salvinia). A third, modified leaf hangs below the surface like a root. Key distinguishing features:
- Small oval paired floating leaves (1/2–3/4 inch)
- Fine hairs on leaf surface that lie flat
- Modified submerged leaf resembling a root
- No true roots
Commonly confused with: Giant Salvinia (much larger leaves with distinctive egg-beater hairs), Duckweed (no paired leaf arrangement)
Treatment
Common salvinia can form dense surface mats but is less aggressive than giant salvinia. Early intervention prevents large-scale infestations.
- Clipper SC (flumioxazin) — Fast-acting contact herbicide.
- Galleon SC (penoxsulam) — Systemic option for sustained control.
- Sonar A.S. (fluridone) — Systemic for season-long management.
Full Profile
- Native Range: Central and South America
- US Distribution: Southeastern states, Gulf Coast. USDA Zones 8–11.
- Regulatory Status: Listed as invasive in several southern states.
- Habitat: Still or slow-moving freshwater — ponds, lakes, bayous, ditches.
- Reproduction: Vegetative fragmentation. Does not produce viable spores.
- Ecological Benefits: None significant. Surface mats block light and reduce dissolved oxygen.
Sources: Texas A&M AquaPlant | USDA PLANTS Database | USGS NAS
Related Species
- Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) — Floating, Tier 2
- Mosquito Fern (Azolla) (Azolla spp.) — Floating, Tier 3
- Duckweed (Lemna minor) — Floating, Tier 1
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