Sign up for the iWire to get breaking news, event info and the species spotlight.
Go Back | Printer Friendly Fact Sheet
Federal Noxious Weed
TDA Noxious Weed TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species Invasive Plant Atlas of the USNOTE:
means species is on that list.
Salvinia minima
Common salvinia
Synonym(s):
Family: Salviniaceae (Water Fern Family)
Duration and Habit: Annual, Perennial Fern
Photographer: Charles T. Bryson
Source: USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
Description
Salvinia is a rootless, aquatic fern. Emergent groups of leaves (fronds), oblong and flat or semi-cupped, grow in chains and float on the water surface forming dense mats. Leaves grow in pairs and are approximately 1/2 inches wide and 1 inch long. A brown, thread-like leaf hangs underwater; all join at a node along a horizontal, underwater stem. The upper surface of the green leaves is covered with rows of white, coarse hairs, acting as a water repellent. Hairs of common salvinia are unjoined at the tips. Fruits (sporocarps) are egg-shaped and grow in chains underwater.
Native Lookalikes: Currently no information available here yet, or there are no native Texas species that could be confused with Common salvinia.
Ecological Threat: Dense mats of salvinia shade out native aquatic species and reduce dissolved oxygen levels in the water. Agricultural water use is impacted as salvinia obstructs intake pipes for irrigation. Recreational fishing and boating may be hindered by dense mats.
Biology & Spread: While Salvinia may reproduce via spores as other ferns do, U.S. populations more commonly reproduce via budding from both attached nodes or broken stems. As many as five lateral buds can be found at one node. Populations can double every 2 weeks in the wild, and small quarter-acre ponds have been completely covered with giant salvinia in as little as 6 weeks from the point of invasion.
History: Common salvinia was long considered to be native to the U.S. However, it was most likely introduced to the US in the 1920s.
U.S. Habitat: Salvinia thrives in slightly acidic, high nutrient, warm, slow-moving freshwater. Found in streams, lakes, ponds, ditches, and even rice fields. Resistant to periods of low temperature, dewatering, and elevated pH levels. Low tolerance to salinity.
Distribution
U.S. Nativity: Introduced to U.S.
Native Origin: Mexico, So. Amer (Germplasm Resources Information Network); NatureServe Explorer
U.S. Present: AL, FL, GA, LA, MA, MD, NM, NY, OK, PR, SC, TX
Distribution in Texas:
Mapping
Invaders of Texas Map: Salvinia minima
EDDMapS: Salvinia minima
USDA Plants Texas County Map: Salvinia minima
Invaders of Texas Observations
List All Observations of Salvinia minima reported by Citizen Scientists
Native Alternatives
American lotus (Nelumbo lutea), White water lily (Nymphaea odorata), Floating heart (Nymphoides aquatica)
Management
The best control is to prevent further infestations. Enclose harvested biomass and dispose in upland areas away from water. Herbicides (copper carbonate or Rodeo) are necessary for large populations. Biocontrol (Salvinia weevil) may also be effective.
USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.Text References
The Quiet Invasion: A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area. Lisa Gonzalez and Jeff DallaRosa. Houston Advanced Research Center, 2006.
Online Resources
Search Online
Google Search: Salvinia minima
Google Images: Salvinia minima
NatureServe Explorer: Salvinia minima
USDA Plants: Salvinia minima
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States: Salvinia minima
Bugwood Network Images: Salvinia minima
