Hydrilla is a submerged plant from the genus Hydrilla. Hydrilla stems are up to 25 feet long and branched with oppositely arranged leaves at the bottom. Upper portions of the Hydrilla plant can have 2 to 8 whorls of leaves around the stem. The small leaves are oval shaped with serrations at the margins and pointed spines on a reddish midrib underside. Hydrilla can be rough to the touch with profuse branching near the surface. Hydrilla has a creeping root-like underground stem or rhizome that is off-white to yellowish. Hydrilla tissue is 90% water with both male and femail flowers on a single plant. The dense foliage of Hydrilla can form mats that intercept sunlight, thereby displacing native aquatic plants. Hydrilla is an agressive and competitive colonizer.

 

Where To Find Hydrilla