Print Report

A4219 Eichhornia crassipes - Alternanthera philoxeroides Ruderal Aquatic Vegetation Alliance

Type Concept Sentence: This ruderal floating aquatic vegetation occurs in warm-temperate freshwater wetlands of lakes, rivers, and ponds, and is commonly dominated by the exotics Alternanthera philoxeroides, Eichhornia crassipes, Ludwigia grandiflora ssp. hexapetala, Ludwigia peploides, Pistia stratiotes, and Salvinia molesta, which can spread vigorously and form extensive surface or subsurface mats.

Common (Translated Scientific) Name: Common Water-hyacinth - Alligator-weed Ruderal Aquatic Vegetation Alliance

Colloquial Name: Ruderal Common Water-hyacinth - Alligator-weed Aquatic Vegetation

Hierarchy Level:  Alliance

Type Concept: This ruderal aquatic vegetation occurs in warm-temperate freshwater wetlands of lakes, rivers, and ponds. The dominant growth form is floating aquatic vegetation. The most common species include the exotics Alternanthera philoxeroides, Eichhornia crassipes, Ludwigia grandiflora ssp. hexapetala, Ludwigia peploides, Pistia stratiotes, and Salvinia molesta. These exotic species can spread vigorously and form extensive mats that cover the surface or submersed areas of the water.

Diagnostic Characteristics: Floating aquatic vegetation dominated by ruderal species such as Alternanthera philoxeroides, Eichhornia crassipes, Ludwigia grandiflora ssp. hexapetala, Ludwigia peploides, Pistia stratiotes, and Salvinia molesta or other species of Salvinia. Native plant species have little cover, generally less than 10-20%.

Rationale for Nominal Species or Physiognomic Features: No Data Available

Classification Comments: No Data Available

Similar NVC Types: No Data Available
note: No Data Available
Physiognomy and Structure: Floating-leaved herbaceous aquatic plants dominate. They can have sparse to dense cover.

Floristics: In the warm-temperate region, Alternanthera philoxeroides, Eichhornia crassipes, Ludwigia peploides, and Pistia stratiotes are the typical aquatic exotic species. Other species include Egeria densa, Ludwigia grandiflora ssp. hexapetala, Hydrilla verticillata, Ipomoea aquatica, Myriophyllum aquaticum, Myriophyllum spicatum, Najas minor, Nymphoides peltata, Nymphoides cristata, Panicum repens, Potamogeton crispus, Salvinia auriculata, Salvinia biloba, Salvinia herzogii, Salvinia minima, Salvinia molesta, and Salvinia natans.

Dynamics:  In the warm-temperate region, cold temperatures can cause damage to most of these plants, and probably limits their ranges to the north. After flooding events, these plants can establish in new areas where the floodwater has carried them. Many of these plants can also be spread to new areas on the props of boats. Various control methods have been used to reduce nuisance infestations (Gettys et al. 2009).
Environmental Description:  Climate: This aquatic vegetation occurs in warm-temperate and tropical areas, which have a humid climate. Soil/substrate/hydrology: This aquatic vegetation occurs in freshwater wetlands that are permanently or semipermanently flooded. Areas may be impounded, natural lakes, or low-gradient flowing streams and rivers. Often patches of this vegetation will occur in the more slowly flowing sections of rivers and streams.
Geographic Range: Occurs in the southeastern United States, and the south-central states of Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.

Nations: MX,US

States/Provinces:  AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV


Confidence Level: Low

Confidence Level Comments: No Data Available
Grank: GNA

Greasons: No Data Available
Type Name Database Code Classification Code
Class 5 Aquatic Vegetation Class C05 5
Subclass 5.B Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Subclass S13 5.B
Formation 5.B.2 Temperate to Polar Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Formation F057 5.B.2
Division 5.B.2.Na North American Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Division D049 5.B.2.Na
Macrogroup 5.B.2.Na.90 Common Water-hyacinth - Brazilian Waterweed - Alligator-weed Ruderal Aquatic Vegetation Macrogroup M401 5.B.2.Na.90
Group 5.B.2.Na.90.a Common Water-hyacinth - Alligator-weed - Water Chestnut Ruderal Freshwater Aquatic Vegetation Group G595 5.B.2.Na.90.a
Alliance A4219 Common Water-hyacinth - Alligator-weed Ruderal Aquatic Vegetation Alliance A4219 5.B.2.Na.90.a
Association CEGL003858 Alligator-weed Ruderal Aquatic Vegetation CEGL003858 5.B.2.Na.90.a
Association CEGL007075 Cuban Bulrush - Kariba-weed Exotic Floating Mat CEGL007075 5.B.2.Na.90.a
Association CEGL007671 Common Water-hyacinth Southeast Temperate Ruderal Aquatic Vegetation CEGL007671 5.B.2.Na.90.a
Association CEGL007835 Floating Primrose-willow Aquatic Vegetation CEGL007835 5.B.2.Na.90.a
Concept Lineage: No Data Available

Predecessors: No Data Available

Obsolete Names: No Data Available

Obsolete Parents: No Data Available
Synonomy: No Data Available
Concept Author(s): C.W. Nordman, in Faber-Langendoen et al. (2016)

Author of Description: C.W. Nordman

Acknowledgements: No Data Available

Version Date: 01-18-16
  • Aquatic Nuisance Species Program. 2003. Illegal aquatic plants of South Carolina. South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, West Columbia, SC. [http://www.dnr.sc.gov/water/envaff/aquatic/img/illegalaqua.pdf]
  • Cowardin, L. M., V. Carter, F. C. Golet, and E. T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79/31. USDI Fish & Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services, Washington, DC. 103 pp.
  • Faber-Langendoen, D., J. Drake, M. Hall, G. Kittel, S. Menard, C. Nordman, M. Pyne, M. Reid, M. Russo, K. Schulz, L. Sneddon, K. Snow, and J. Teague. 2013-2019b. Screening alliances for induction into the U.S. National Vegetation Classification: Part 1 - Alliance concept review. NatureServe, Arlington, VA.
  • Gettys, L. A., W. T. Haller, and M. Bellaud, editors. 2009. Biology and control of aquatic plants: A best management practices handbook. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Foundation, Marietta GA. 210 pp. [http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/misc/pdfs/AERF_handbook.pdf]
  • Kushlan, J. A. 1990. Freshwater marshes. Pages 324-363 in: R. L. Myers and J. J. Ewel, editors. Ecosystems of Florida. University of Central Florida Press, Orlando.
  • Morris, T. L. 1974. Water hyacinth Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms: Its ability to invade aquatic ecosystems of Paynes Prairie Preserve. M.S. thesis, University of Florida, Gainesville.