Hydrilla : an emerging concern for the Albemarle region

Hydrilla typically is bright green, with small leaves growing along its thin, long stems. The leaves are about 5/8 of an inch long. It sometimes is confused with the native plant Elodea canadensis or Canadian waterweed. This is how you can tell them apart: • Hydrilla has tiny teeth along the edges of its leaves. The leaves generally grow in whorls of 5 around the stem, although there can be 3 to 8 leaves per whorl. Elodea generally has 3 leaves per whorl and appears to have smooth leaf edges when viewed without magnification. • Hydrilla has tubers that form in the soil. Elodea does not have tubers. How Can You Help Stop the Spread? HELP STOP THE SPREAD HYDRILLA Hydrilla verticillata ■ustation provided by If AS. (ente tor Aquatc Plants University of Florida байпеайе. 1999 When boating: • Inspect your watercraft and trailer. Pay special attention to areas that stay wet (bilge, live well, etc) and areas that catch vegetation. Dispose of all plant matter in the trash or on dry land well above high water. Around docks, launch sites and other areas: • Weeding Hydrilld is discouraged because it fragments easily. If you remove it, collect all plant fragments to prevent them from drifting. • Dispose of plants well above the water line. Hydrilld cannot tolerate drying out. Report suspected new populations of Hydrilla. Tell others about Hydrilla. For more information and to learn how to report new infestations or get involved with Hydrilla monitoring in coastal North Carolina, visit North Carolina Sea Grant: ncseagrant.ncsu.edu/hydrilla. unc-sg-is-os North Carolina Sources: N( State University Department ofCiopSoence NorthCarohna Department of Environment and Natural Resources Division of Water ResouKes; New Yo* Caftiga lefce Watered “StopHydria' txochjre Eno five Та* Force *Hydia n the Em Rner Watershed" Drahire FAST FACTS One of the world’s most invasive aquatic plants. Spreads easily and displaces native plants by forming dense mats that block sunlight. Obstructs boating, swimming and fishing. Harms tourism and waterfront property values. Clogs drainage and irrigation canals.