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Starhorn

Hygrophila corymbosa

Non-Native

Starhorn Locations in North America
Starhorn Locations in Southeast US

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.

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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