Hygrophila (East Indian Hygrophila) Identification & Treatment
Scientific Name: Hygrophila polysperma Category: Submerged/Emergent Tier: 2 — Regionally Significant — Common in multiple EPA ecoregions
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Identification
Hygrophila has opposite, lance-shaped leaves on square stems. Submerged leaves are light green; emergent leaves are darker and more rigid. Small blue-white flowers in leaf axils. A common aquarium plant that escapes into natural waterways. Key distinguishing features:
- Opposite leaves on square stems
- Both submerged and emergent growth forms
- Light green submerged leaves, darker emergent leaves
- Square stem cross-section
Treatment
- Sonar A.S. (fluridone) — Systemic option.
- Harvester (diquat) — Contact herbicide.
- Glyphosate 5.4 — For emergent growth.
Full Profile
- Native Range: India and Southeast Asia
- US Distribution: Southeastern US, primarily Florida and Texas. USDA Zones 8–11.
- Regulatory Status: Federal Noxious Weed. Prohibited in Florida.
- Habitat: Ponds, lakes, slow streams, ditches. Shade tolerant.
- Reproduction: Fragmentation — extremely efficient. Tiny fragments root and establish.
- Ecological Benefits: Limited. Aquarium escapee with negative ecological impacts in invaded waterways.
Sources: Texas A&M AquaPlant – Hygrophila | USDA APHIS
Related Species
- Sago Pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata (formerly Potamogeton pectinatus)) — Submerged, Tier 2
- Bladderwort (Utricularia spp.) — Submerged (free-floating), Tier 2
- Parrot Feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum) — Emergent / Submerged, Tier 2
- Cabomba (Fanwort) (Cabomba caroliniana) — Submerged, Tier 2
- Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) — Floating, Tier 2
- Dollar Weed (Pennywort) (Hydrocotyle spp. (H. umbellata, H. ranunculoides, H. verticillata)) — Emergent, Tier 2
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