SafePlants

Azolla caroliniana: Carolina Mosquito Fern

Explore the fascinating world of Azolla caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina Azolla, Carolina Mosquito Fern, or Water Velvet. This aquatic fern offers a unique glimpse into the plant kingdom with its intriguing biology and ecological role.

Considerations for Pets

• As an aquatic plant, Azolla caroliniana thrives in water environments, which may be accessible to aquatic pets or animals that drink from standing water.
• The plant can be dark green, dark red, or dark green with red margins, which might attract attention.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Azolla caroliniana Willd.
• Common Names: Carolina Azolla, Carolina Mosquito Fern, Water Velvet, Eastern Mosquito Fern, Atlantic Azolla
• Genus: Azolla
• Species: caroliniana
• Family: Azollaceae (Mosquito Fern Family), Salviniaceae (in some classifications)
• Synonym: Salvinia (as noted in a German-English dictionary entry)
• Taxonomic Status: Accepted Name: Azolla filiculoides Lam. Taxonomic Status: Current Standing: not accepted - synonym.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Americas, specifically eastern North America.
• Found in locations such as British Columbia, Florida, and Ontario in Canada.
• Observed in Worcester Co. and Anne Arundel Co., Maryland.
• Also found in Oklahoma.

Morphological Characteristics

• Aquatic fern that may float individually or form dense mats under ideal growth conditions.
• Plants can exhibit varying colors: dark green, dark red, or dark green with red margins.
• Smaller in size (less than 1 cm in diameter) compared to some other Azolla species.
• Classified as a forb/herb, meaning it is a non-woody plant.

Ecological Role

• Can be used as a biological filter.
• Known to occur in infestations.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The common name "Mosquito Fern" suggests a possible interaction with mosquitoes, although the exact nature of this interaction is not specified.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Azolla caroliniana.
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Focuses on protecting and preserving North America's native plants.
• USDA PLANTS Database: Contains information including the USDA PLANTS Symbol (AZCA) and U.S. nativity status.
• Australian New Crops Web Site
• United States Department of Agriculture
• PlantSystematics.org: Offers information on phylogeny and nomenclature.
• http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/azocar.html: Contains brief information about the plant.
• WSSA WeedList