Stem

  • Floating aquatic plant that grows at water surface; often highly branched
Photo of giant salvina weed with green leaves
 

Leaves

  • 1 submerged and 2 floating leaves whorled around stem at each node
  • Floating leaves are oval, flat, 1-2.5 in. wide and covered with short hairs less than 0.12 in. long that are shaped like an egg-beater 
  • Submerged leaves are white to brown, fine, hair-like, up to 1 in. long and resemble roots
Photo of giant salvina weed with greent leaves.

 

Flower

  • No true flowers; some submerged leaves develop spores, but they are not viable
Photo of giant salvina weed with green leaves
 

Root

  • No true roots, but submerged leaves act as roots
Photo of giant salvina weed with green leaves
 

 

Other

  • Grows best in areas that do not experience extended periods of freezing temperatures; not known to occur in Nevada
  • Perennial; reproduces by stem fragments; can form a mat over 1.5 ft. thick under favorable conditions
  • Listed on the Federal Noxious Weed List
 

Control

  • Mechanical removal can be effective but must be done repeatedly; escaped stem fragments can form new plants
  • Aquatic herbicides such as diquat and fluridone are effective 
Peer Review Logo
Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Giant salvinia, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Extension Associated Contacts

Heidi Kratsch
Heidi Kratsch
 

Also of Interest:

 
Photo of leafy spurge plant with flowers
Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Leafy spurge
Leafy spurge is a noxious weed that has been identified by the state of Nevada to be harmful to agriculture, the general public, or the environment. Learn more about this weed.
 Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide
 

Associated Programs

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Green Industry Training

A workforce development program to train green industry professionals, who receive continuing education units for pesticide applicator, ISA-certified arborist and Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper

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Master Gardeners of Nevada

Program trains local gardeners to provide research-based horticulture information to Nevadans.

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Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy that reduces pests to tolerable levels with lower costs for the pest manager or home gardener and minimal effect on the environment. The IPM program at University of Nevada, Reno Extension focuses on identification and public education with resources for the community including classes, Spanish language resources and a pest directory.