Eared Watermoss (Salvinia natans) is an annual, free-floating aquatic fern found where there is plentiful standing fresh water, sunlight, and humid air. It can block sunlight from reaching underwater, which can interrupt photosynthesis of submerged plants. It may eventually cover entire ponds or lakes without ecological competition, starving other plant species.
Distribution records are indicative. Always confirm current status with your state biosecurity authority. Found in: standing fresh water.
This species can form dense floating cover that reduces light penetration and suppresses submerged plants. Management should focus on preventing spread between waterbodies and limiting movement of plant material, as infestations can expand to cover whole ponds or lakes.
Floating leaves can block sunlight from reaching underwater, interrupting photosynthesis of underwater plants and potentially starving other plant species as surface cover expands.
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