Stem

Floating aquatic plant that grows at water surface; often highly branched

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

Flower

No true flowers; some submerged leaves develop spores, but they are not viable

Root

No true roots, but submerged leaves act as roots

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

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

Also of Interest:


Pollinator Protection Learn three easy ways to help protect and promote pollinators, like bees and butterflies, in your home landscapes and gardens. Jensen, C. and Kratsch, H. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Enterprise Budget, Roundup Ready Alfalfa Hay Pershing County, Nevada Pershing County has approximately 36,900 acres of alfalfa production, with an approximate value of $37 million. (Foster, 2010) It should be used as a guide to estimate costs and returns for RR alfalfa hay establishment and production. Foster, S. 2012, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
The Nevada Pesticide Applicator Training Program University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is charged with the training of pesticide applicators. Self study programs and training courses are available to help a person prepare for the certification exam. Cichowlaz, S., Johnson, W., McKie, P., and Moses, C. 2002, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-02-02
Safe and Legal Transportation of Pesticides This special publication contains extensive information on the safe and legal ways to transport pesticides. Learn more about hazards, procedures, incident/accident reports, commercial carriers, and many more. Johnson, W. 2001, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, SP-01-09
Scouting the Landscape Good pest management in the landscape begins with a good scouting program. Scouting what is actually happening to the plants in the landscape. Rather just spraying pesticides, scouting allows the gardener to properly identify problems first. Appropriate solutions can be determin... Robinson, M.L., Johnson, W. S., Post, R. L., Carlos, B. 2000, Extension: University of Nevada, Reno, SP-00-02

Associated Programs

Master Gardeners of Nevada

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

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

Garden plant and pest sprayers image by Olga Seifutdinova from Getty Images

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.

Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Giant salvinia