Hygrophila corymbosa
Non-Native
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
What is Starhorn?
Other common spellings and names include: temple plant, giant hygro, Hygrophila stricta.
Physical Characteristics
Leaves:
- Opposite
- Bright green veins
- Yellowish-bronze leaf tissues
- 3-4″ long
- 1-2″ wide
- Slender
- Sword-shaped
- Small hairs
Stem:
- Thick
- Branching
- 10-24″ in height
- Small hairs
Flowers:
- Produces many scented light purple flowers
Where Does it Grow?
Non-Native
Starhorn is native to swampy regions of Southeast Asia. It is commonly used as an aquarium plant. It can grow either fully submerged or emerged.
Is it Invasive?
Starhorn is considered a noxious pest because it grows so rapidly, out competing and eliminating native species. It has naturalized in two Florida counties and it has been estimated that it could establish itself in 1/3 Texas.
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.