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AquaPlantA Diagnostics Tool for Pond Plants and Algae
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Indian Swampweed

Hygrophila pinnatifida

Non-Native

What is Indian Swampweed?

Physical Characteristics

Leaves:

  • Brown- olive green leaves with yellow pattern
  • Burgundy color underneath
  • Compound leaf with opposite leaflets
  • Can be emerged or submersed

Stem:

  • Upright and creeping stems
  • Branching
  • Brown in color
  • Tough texture

Where Does it Grow?

Non-Native

Indian swampweed is native in India and is uncommon in the United States. It can be found growing in small streams in the western coastal area on the foot of the Western Ghats (Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu) and north-Indian state Uttar Pradesh. Introduced populations from the aquarium trade have been discovered in Texas.

Pros and Cons of Indian Swampweed

This plant is not native to North America, but has naturalized in much of the United States. While it is not illegal to possess this plant in Texas, it should not be introduced into new water bodies and should be treated with herbicide when present.

How to Manage This Plant
Plant Glossary

2023 Aquatic Webinars

Jun 20: Fish Management Strategies

Jul 18: To Treat or Not to Treat: Late Season Management

Aug 15: Water Quality for Fisheries Management

Sep 19: Common Aquatic Vegetation Management Mistakes

Oct 17: Liming and Clearing Ponds

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Photo Credits: The majority of the aquatic plant line drawings are the copyright of the University of Florida Center for Aquatic Plants (Gainsville). They are used with permission.

Aquatic plant photographs were provided by David Bayne, Jim Davis, Kelly Duffie, Billy Higginbotham, Michael Masser, John Clayton, Chetta Owens, Diane Smith, Joe Snow, Don Steinbach, Bridget Robinson Lassiter and Peter Woods.

You may use these photos, so long as you give credit to AquaPlant.

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