Hygrophila lacustris
What is Gulf Swampweed?
Physical Characteristics
Leaves:
- Opposite
- Lanceolate
- Small (~9cm long and 10mm wide)
Flowers:
- Small
- Bluish-white
- Surrounded by clusters of leaves
Stem:
- Fern-like
- Often branching
- Usually around 3 feet tall
Roots:
- Rooting at nodes
- Stem usually curves sharply upward from roots
Where Does it Grow?
USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Gulf swampweed can be found in warm waters along the southeast coast of the United States, typically growing in wet or regularly flooded sites like marshes and swamps.
Pros and Cons of Gulf Swampweed
Gulf swampweed is a hardy plant that survives well under many conditions, especially variance in water levels. However, it has a low tolerance for salinity and will die if water salinity rises about 3 ppt (parts per thousand). Some birds will forage in patches of gulf swampweed, and root systems can be used as a habitat by macroinvertebrates.
Citation: Chadde, Steve W. Wetland Plants of Texas. Vol. 2. Stutzenbaker, Charles D. Aquatic and Wetland Plants of the Western Gulf Coast.