The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an aquatic plant commonly found in the southern United States, including Florida, Texas, the Gulf Coast, and California. As an introduced species, it has spread rapidly and is now viewed as a noxious weed. Like other aquatic weeds, water hyacinth can grow rapidly and clog waterways, damaging underwater equipment and impairing navigational and recreational facilities. It is also viewed as a weed in many tropical parts of the world.

Water hyacinth. (Photograph by Ray Coleman. Photo Researchers Inc. Reproduced by permission.)

Water hyacinths can be either free-floating or rooted, depending on the depth of the water. The plant height may vary from a few inches to 3 ft (0.9 m). The leaves, growing in rosettes, are glossy green and may be up to 8 in (20 cm) long and 6 in (15 cm) wide. The showy, attractive flowers may be blue, violet, or white and grow...