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Willow-leaf Hygrophila

Non-Native

Hygrophila salicifolia

What is Willow-leaf Hygrophila?

Other common spellings and names include: willow leaf hygro, blue hygro.

Physical Characteristics

  • Shrub-like

Leaves:

  • Opposite
  • Simple and entire
  • Green streaked with white

Flowers:

  • Clustered
  • Whorled
  • 4-5 sepals
  • Flower head 5-lobed
  • Light purple

Fruit:

  • Splits lengthwise
  • Dry
  • Cylindrical
  • Many seeded

Seeds:

  • Flat
  • Lens-shaped
  • Fleshy
  • Hairy

Where Does it Grow?

Non-Native

Willow-leaf hygrophila can be found in tropical areas. It is widespread in southeast Asia from Japan, Viet Nam, and the Philippines. In China, it is found in several provinces south of the Yangtze river. It has been recorded from Siphandone wetlands in Lao. This species is locally common and has no known major widespread threats. Introduced populations from the aquarium trade have been discovered in TX, LA, and possibly FL.

Is it Invasive?

Willow-leaf hygrophila is locally common and has no known major widespread threats.

Pros and Cons of Willow-leaf Hygrophila

Willow-leaf hygrophilia is non-native to the United States, and tends to disrupt the ecosystem by pushing the native species out of their habitat. It has a highly invasive potential throughout the US and is commonly sold in the aquarium industry as an ornamental.

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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