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Hydrilla

(Hydrilla verticillata)

To our knowledge hydrilla is not present in the Boundary.  Please report it if you think you have seen this plant. 

Identification:

Hydrilla is a fresh water plant.  It often forms dense stands from the bottom to the top of the water.  It may also be found as detached drifting mats.  Besides reproducing by seed, it can sprout new plants from root fragments or stem fragments containing as few as two whorls of leaves.  Hydrilla has tubers 0.5-1 cm long.  The tubers are off-white to yellowish, pea-like structures buried in the sediment.  The leaves grow in whorles around the stem.  There are generally five leaves per whorl.  There are serrations or small spines along the leaf edges.  The midrib of the leaf is often reddish when fresh.

Impacts:

Hydrilla forms dense mats of vegetation that interfere with recreation and destroy fish and wildlife habitat.

Prevention:

Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment after each use.  Remove all plants, animals and mud before moving to a new waterbody.  Avoid using hydrilla in your aquarium or water garden.  Drain your aquarium on dry land.  Rinse all recreational equipment with high pressure, hot water or let it dry in the sun for at least 5 days.

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