Water Hyacinth Description

Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is a perennial plant that floats on top of bodies of water. This plant produces ornamental flowers, but is considered invasive because of its fast rate of reproduction.

Growth

• Water hyacinth plants mature to a height of up to 3 feet. As this plant reproduces, it forms mats on top of the water. The plant is not winter hardy and doesn’t survive below 54 degrees F, according to the University of Florida’s Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

Foliage

• Water hyacinth plants feature circular leaves that are dark green in color. These leaves float on the water and have a spongy texture.

Flowers

• Water hyacinth plants yield large violet flowers that shoot up from the plant on a terminal spike. Each spike produces eight to 15 flowers.

Fruit

• Water hyacinth produces fruit capsules that feature three cells and an abundance of seeds.

Roots

• Beneath the water, water hyacinth plants produce roots that are dark purple or black in color.