Brazilian Elodea
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Egeria densa • Class B |
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| Family Name: | Hydrocharitaceae (hy-droh-KAIR-i-ta cee-ee) | |
| Common: | Frog’s-bit family, Fresh and saltwater Aquatic herbs | |
| Genus: |
Egeria (ee-JEE-ree-uh) Meaning: Named for a Roman nymph or goddess and adviser to Numa Pompilius |
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| Species: |
densa (DEN-suh) Meaning: Compact, dense |
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| Description: |
It looks similar to the native Elodea Canadensis (waterweed), but is much larger. Plants grow submerged rooted in the substrate of the water. Stems are erect, cylindrical and about 1/10 of an inch in diameter. |
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| Why Is it a Noxious Plant? |
Its dense underwater growth retards water flow, interfering with irrigation projects, hydroelectric utilities, and urban water supplies. It slows water traffic, and interferes with recreational and commercial activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing. It reduces the diversity of native plant seeds in lake bottoms, and increases sediment accumulation beneath the weed beds. |
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| Where Does it Grow? |
Brazilian elodea can be found growing in open ponds and lakes, streams, and wetlands. It can be found growing in depths of up to 20 feet. In lakes where it is established, it out-competes Eurasian water milfoil and is more difficult to control than milfoil. Harvesting tends to spread the plant and many aquatic herbicides do not effectively control its growth. |
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| Facts: |
It spreads via fragments of shoots and rhizomes. Stem fragments can take root in bottom mud or remain as free-floating mats. |
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| Control Options: |
Two fish have been found to be effective biological controls, the white amur or Chinese grass carp, and the Congo tilapia. Since Brazilian Elodea is an aquatic plant, the use of an herbicide formulated for aquatic settings is required. Please note that aquatic herbicides are restricted for use in Washington State to licensed applicators only. |
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| More Information: |
Download our Flyer or visit Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board Here
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| More Pictures: |
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Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board • 1420 East 112th St. Tacoma, WA 98445 • 253-798-7263