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AquaPlantA Diagnostics Tool for Pond Plants and Algae
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Feathered Mosquito Fern

Azolla pinnata

Non-Native

Feathered Mosquito Fern Locations in North America
Feathered Mosquito Fern Locations in Southeast US

What is Feathered Mosquito Fern?

Physical Characteristics

  • 0.39-0.98 in wide
  • Feathery
  • Triangle shape

Leaves:

  • Free-floating
  • Form large, dense mats
  • 0.039-0.078 in long

Where Does it Grow?

Non-Native

Feathered mosquito fern is native to Australia.

Is it Invasive?

Feathered mosquito fern is non-native and can be aggressive invaders in quiet ponds and are often found mixed in with duckweed or watermeal. If these fern colonies cover the surface of the water, then oxygen depletion and fish kills can occur. These plants should be controlled before they cover the entire surface of the pond.

This plant is not native to North America and should not be introduced into new water bodies and should be treated with herbicide when present.

How to Manage This Plant
Plant Glossary

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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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