Common Water Hyacinth
Pontederia crassipes
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay
Wilfredor
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Pontederiaceae
- Genus:
- Pontederia
- Species:
- Pontederia crassipes
- USDA Symbol:
- EICR
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- lavender, blue, purple
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
- Pollen Specialist Bee Keystone:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Native pollen specialist bee species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Densa Bellura (Bellura densa), Salvinia stem-borer moth (Samea multiplicalis), Sameodes albiguttalis
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, fish cover
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, organic, waterlogged soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Commonly found in freshwater habitats like ponds and lakes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 10–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm, shallow water or saturated mud. Light and warmth enhance germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI