Alligatorweed
photo courtesy of Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants
| Scientific Name: |
Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb |
| Common Name: |
Alligatorweed |
| Family: |
Amaranthaceae (Amaranth) |
| Class: |
Dicot |
| Description: |
Emersed or submersed perennial, leaves opposite and simple, flowering head of small white flowers borne in axils. |
| US Distribution: |
Coastal states from Virginia to Texas |
| Worldwide Distribution: |
Native to South America |
| Ecology: |
Rooted in shallow submersed habitats to moist soil sites; may form floating mats |
| Economic Importance: |
Major nuisance to subtropical aquatic sites and wetland areas, especially ditch and stream habitats |
| Ecological Importance: |
Major impact on aquatic and wetland sites |
| Notes: |
Some evidence exists for two biotypes with different responses to biocontrol and chemical controls; aquatic form has a hollow stem. |
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