common water hyacinth
plant
Also known as: Eichhornia crassipes
Quick Summary
The common water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an aquatic plant native to tropical America. It is characterized by its spongy, inflated leafstalks and showy purple flowers with blue and yellow markings. This plant can float in shallow water or be rooted in muddy banks.1
The common water hyacinth is known for its rapid reproduction, which can lead to it clogging slow-flowing streams and waterways. Despite its invasive tendencies, it is also used ornamentally in outdoor pools and aquariums.12
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