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Water Lettuce
Pistia stratiotes
28.9788, -81.3574
Field Notes
Description:
This species (the only one in its genus) commonly forms dense floating mats, with many rosettes of fuzzy-soft, pale-green leaves. New leaf clusters form readily from stolons (runner stems) offset from the larger rosettes.
Habitat:
Edge of St. Johns River near marina.
Notes:
This floating non-native plant is considered to be one of the worst weeds in the subtropical and tropical regions of the world. In Florida, it was first recorded in 1765; its introduction is linked to early shipping commerce between Florida and South America. Today, water-lettuce is commonly found in the central and southern portions of the state, but new infestations of water-lettuce have been found in North Florida's spring-fed rivers and lakes. Because of intensive statewide management efforts, water-lettuce populations are maintained at low population densities.
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