Eichhornia crassipes
(Mart.) Solms
Waterhyacinth forms large floating mats
Waterhyacinth flower: right before blooming (A), in full bloom (B), the day after the full bloom (C).
Bulbous petioles contain air, acting as floats
Waterhyacinth inforescence
Scientific Name:
Eichhornia crassipes
(Mart.) Solms
Common Name: Waterhyacinth
Group: Monocot
Family:
Pontederiaceae
(Pickerel-weed family)
Wetland Indicator Category: OBL
Perennial
Growth Form: Floating
Grows in freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, ditches, canals, slow-moving streams
Introduced/Invasive, Native to South America