Hygrophila difformis
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 Water Wisteria?
Other common spellings and names include: water sprite.
Leaves:
- Light green in color
- Submersed leaves are slender and deeply notched
- Emersed leaves are small and serrated with tiny hairs
- Shape is determined by light and temperature
- Lower temperatures = smooth edges & small leaves
- Higher temperatures & brighter lights = divided leaves & closely arranged on the stem
Stem:
- 8-20 inches long
- Fern-like
- Leaves and roots growing from each node
Where Does it Grow?
Non-Native
Water wisteria is commonly used in fresh water aquariums and can grow submerged or emergent.
Pros and Cons of Water Wisteria
Water wisteria is non-native to the United States, and tends to disrupt the ecosystem by pushing the native species out of their habitat.
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.