ExplorePlants

Hydrilla

Hydrilla verticillata

Hydrilla is a green plant that grows underwater in lakes and ponds. It has long, thin leaves and can grow very quickly, making it a great home for fish and other water animals.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Hydrilla is a submerged aquatic plant with slender stems and small, bright green leaves arranged in whorls of 3-8 around the stem. Its leaves often have tiny, serrated edges, making them feel slightly rough, and sometimes a reddish midrib.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderAlismatalesFamilyHydrocharitaceaeGenusHydrilla
Hydrilla
flowering trait badgegrasslike trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgeevergreen trait badge
Hydrilla

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A single Hydrilla fragment, as small as a fingertip, can start a whole new plant!

Hydrilla can produce tiny, wind-pollinated male flowers that break off and float to the surface!

It can grow so densely that it blocks sunlight, stopping other plants from growing below it.

This plant can dramatically change the water chemistry in lakes, impacting fish and other creatures!

Special abilities

Ability

Rapid Regrowth

Hydrilla can grow from tiny stem fragments, allowing it to quickly spread and colonize new aquatic areas.

Ability

Winter Warrior

Hydrilla produces special buds called 'turions' that survive cold winters, helping it regrow vigorously in spring.

Ability

Deep Dive Survival

Hydrilla can thrive in low light conditions, letting it grow in deeper waters where other plants can't survive.

Measurements & details

Height
10-1000 cm
Spread
50-500 cm
Flower Size
0.1-0.2 cm
Bloom Season
Summer-fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Water

Ecological connections

eats

Florida Manatee

Trichechus manatus

Manatees graze on dense Hydrilla beds, helping to control its growth.

eaten by

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Ducks and other waterfowl consume Hydrilla foliage and turions as food.

shelters

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Young fish find excellent hiding spots and hunting grounds within Hydrilla mats.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always stay close to an adult when exploring water areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Hydrilla?

10-1000 cm

How wide does Hydrilla spread?

50-500 cm

How big are the flowers on Hydrilla?

0.1-0.2 cm

When does Hydrilla bloom?

Summer-fall

Is Hydrilla edible?

Yes

Is Hydrilla toxic?

None

What is Hydrilla's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Hydrilla pollinated?

Water

Snap Map

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