SafePlants

Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

Water hyacinth, scientifically known as Eichhornia crassipes, is also commonly called (common) water hyacinth. Other common names include "million dollar weed", English camalote, flor de bora, and jacinto de agua comn.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Eichhornia crassipes
• Synonyms: Eichhornia speciosa, Piaropus crassipes
• Family: Pontederiaceae (Pickerelweed Family)
• Group: Monocot
• Symbol: EICR

Considerations for Pets

• The plant has thick, glossy, round leaves that might be tempting for pets to chew on.
• It's often found near or in water, which could present a water safety risk for some animals.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Amazon River basin, primarily Brazil.
• Has naturalized across much of the world.
• Found in freshwater environments like rivers, lakes, and ponds.
• Sometimes found growing in muddy soils near the edge of aquatic systems.

Ecological Role

• Considered one of the world’s worst aquatic weeds.
• An invasive species that infests rivers, dams, lakes, and irrigation channels across continents (except Antarctica).
• Can devastate native habitats and deplete water bodies.
• Can jam rivers and lakes, forming mats on the water surface that measure tens or hundreds of feet in diameter.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Free-floating perennial aquatic plant.
• Can grow up to 3 feet in height.
• Has thick, glossy, rounded, waxy leaves.
• Features inflated leaf stems.
• Produces very showy lavender flowers with yellow stripes on the banner petals.
• Has slender rootstocks with rosettes.
• Roots are dark purple and feathery.
• Forms runners across the water surface, which give rise to new plants.

Quirky Facts

• Water hyacinths are described as being "born nearly pregnant adults" due to their ability to rapidly double in size.
• They are sometimes used to make biodegradable coffins because they are environmentally friendly with strong wooden frames.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Can destroy native habitats.

Additional Information

• Considered a significant weed in Queensland and is a declared pest under Queensland legislation.
• DBW (Department of Boating and Waterways) acts as the lead state agency to cooperate with other agencies in controlling water hyacinth in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
• A species profile is available from USDA’s National Invasive Species Information Center.
• The Washington State Department of Ecology provides information on non-native invasive freshwater plants, including water hyacinth.