Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) is a beautiful, floating aquatic plant native to the tropical areas of South America and Africa. It is a popular, hardy plant that can thrive in many aquatic habitats and is a great choice for water gardens, ponds, and even aquariums. The plant is fast growing and can quickly dominate a body of water if it is not kept in check. In some states, water lettuce is considered an invasive species and is illegal to own or sell.
What is Water Lettuce?
Water lettuce is an aquatic plant that floats on the surface of the water. Its leaves are light green in color, slightly ruffled, and can grow up to 8 inches in diameter. It has a very high surface area to volume ratio, making it an excellent choice for filtration. The plant is also very easy to take care of, as it does not require any fertilizers or special care.
Why is Water Lettuce Considered Invasive?
Water lettuce is considered an invasive species because it can easily spread and take over a body of water. It has been known to clog waterways, reduce water quality, and block out other plant life. It can also disrupt the natural food chain, as it can take away resources from other species that depend on them. In extreme cases, it can even displace native species.
What States is Water Lettuce Illegal In?
Water lettuce is currently illegal in many states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas. In other states, such as California and Arizona, it is legal to own water lettuce, but it must be purchased from a licensed dealer. In some states, such as Washington, water lettuce is legal, but it is illegal to release it into the wild.
What Should I do if I Find Water Lettuce in My State?
If you find water lettuce in your state, the best thing to do is to contact your local wildlife department. They will be able to tell you if the plant is legal or not, and will be able to help you remove it from your property if it is illegal. It is important to note that you should never release water lettuce into the wild. Doing so can spread the plant to other areas, causing it to become an even bigger problem.
What Are the Alternatives to Water Lettuce?
If you live in a state where water lettuce is illegal, there are still plenty of other aquatic plants that you can use to decorate your pond or aquarium. Floating plants like water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), common duckweed (Lemna minor), and water poppy (Hydrocleys nymphoides) are all great alternatives. They are all just as hardy as water lettuce, but have much less of a chance of becoming invasive.
Conclusion
Water lettuce is a beautiful and easy to care for plant, but it can quickly become an invasive species if it is not kept in check. In many states, it is illegal to own or sell water lettuce, so it is important to check with your local wildlife department before purchasing it. If you live in a state where water lettuce is illegal, there are still plenty of other aquatic plants that you can use to decorate your pond or aquarium.