Hydrilla (waterthyme) is a genus of aquatic plant, usually treated as containing just one species, Hydrilla verticillata, though some botanists divide it into several species. It is native to the cool and warm waters of the Old World in Asia, Africa and Australia, with a sparse, scattered distribution; in Australia from Northern Territory ...

Hydrilla, considered one of the world's most invasive aquatic plants, has been detected for the first time in Michigan. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy confirmed two small populations of the plant in adjacent private ponds on residential properties in Berrien Springs in Southwest Michigan.

Hydrilla multiplies easily when the plant stems are chopped into fragments, able to regrow from small pieces only one inch long. These invasive plant fragments may float down rivers to new lakes, or hitch hike on traveling waterfowl, however its spread is accelerated through boating activity. Motor boat propellers cut up the plant quickly, and ...

Hydrilla, (Hydrilla verticillata), submerged aquatic plant that is the sole member of the genus Hydrilla in the frog’s-bit family (Hydrocharitaceae). Hydrilla is possibly native to Africa or Europe but has naturalized in lakes and streams around the world.

Mar 14, 2025 · Hydrilla has widescale impacts in Florida waters and is highly adaptable to a variety of growing conditions. It can grow in almost any freshwater system including springs, lakes, marshes, ditches, rivers and tidal zones.

Hydrilla blocks waterways and limits boat traffic, recreation, flood control and wildlife use. Almost 80 percent of hydrilla's biomass is in the upper 2 feet of the water column producing a dense canopy near the water surface.

Hydrilla or "water thyme" (Hydrilla verticillata) is an aquatic plant from Asia that is one of the most difficult aquatic invasive species to control and eradicate in the United States. Infestations can have negative impacts on recreation, tourism, and aquatic ecosystems.

Mar 28, 2018 · What is Hydrilla? Physical Characteristics Leaves: Strap-like; Pointed; Grow in whorls of 4-8; Often has 1+ sharp teeth along the midrib; Flowers: Tiny; White; Grow on long stalk; Turions 0.25 inch long at leaf axils; Stem: Slender; Branching; Up to 25 feet long; Roots: Rooted in mud; Potato-like tubers attached to roots

4 days ago · Hydrilla is mainly introduced to new waters as fragments on recreational boats, their motors and trailers and in live wells. Stem pieces root in the substrate and develop into new colonies, commonly beginning near boat ramps. Once established, boat traffic continues to break and spread hydrilla throughout the waterbody.

Hydrilla is an adaptive and fast-growing invasive aquatic plant that can alter habitat and negatively impact native species (Ontario, 2018): Once established, hydrilla is able to grow aggressively and outcompete native plants.