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Alligator Weed - Alternantherea philoxeroides

alligator Weed
Alligator Weed© John Randall

 

Alligator weed is on the worst pest list for The Nature Conservancy's North Carolina coastal region.

 

Alligator weed may be found free-floating or immersed in water, loosely attached or rooted in soil, or growing in a dry field. This invasive weed generally grows as a mat of interwoven plants and is most common in coastal areas. It is one of the most difficult aquatic weeds to control because it grows in such a wide range of soil and water conditions.

 

Alligator weed stems are long, branched, and hollow. The leaves are shiny green, lance-shaped, 2 or 5 inches long, and have a distinct midrib. The whitish papery flowers grow on stalks. Alligator weed flowers during the warm months.