Water Hyacinth: Identifying Characteristics
Habitat:
Water hyacinth grows in shallow freshwater wetlands. It is often seen in pure stands along the edges of ponds, lakes, canals, ditches and slow-moving streams
Size/Form:
Water hyacinth is an emergent aquatic perennial that forms rosettes of thick, spongy leaves. Flowers appear on spike-like floral stalks that generally grow about 1' tall. Beneath the water level, the plants have fibrous, black roots. The rosettes are often connected at the waterline by a horizontal stem called a "stolon."
Leaves:
The leaves are simple and basal, forming a rosette around the flower stalk. In open conditions each petiole is short and consists largely of an inflated bulb that helps the plant float. In more crowded conditions the petioles become longer and thinner and less inflated. The leaf venation is parallel and the leaf margin is smooth.
Flowers:
The inflorescences are loose, spike-like clusters of tiny lavender blossoms, borne on upright stalks. Each flower has 6 petals. The lower 5 petals are a solid shade of lilac or lavender, but the uppermost petal has a bright yellow dot surrounded by a bluish "halo."
Fruit:
The fruit is a three-celled capsule, containing many, small seeds.