NPSOT Logo
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Water Lettuce

Pistia stratiotes

Other Common Names

None for this invasive

Plant Category

Aquatic, Perennial

Invasive Description

Water Lettuce has an uncertain origin; however, there is particularly strong evidence linking the plant to South America. Water Lettuce resembles a floating open head of lettuce and may be found singly or in abundance. Its light green leaves are thick, hairy and ridged; its flowers are inconspicuous.

Ecological Threat

Severe infestations of Water Lettuce block light, reduce oxygen levels, increase sediment deposits, reduce suitable fish spawning habitat, and restrict water flow and boating traffic.

You may not want or need to replace this invasive plant, but if you do, options are listed below.

Water lettuce is on the Texas Dept. of Agriculture’s List of Noxious Plants and on Texas Parks and Wildlife’s list of Invasive, Prohibited and Exotic species which are illegal to sell, distribute or import into Texas.

How to Eradicate

For information on how to eradicate this invasive, view our statement on herbicide use and preferred alternatives for invasive plants.

Native Alternatives

You can replace this invasive plant with native alternatives. Here are some plants that make superior replacements.

Match your location on the Texas map to the color squares on the replacement plants below to find suitable replacements for your ecoregion.

Click for more details about the ecoregions
Additional Replacement Options: Longleaf Pondweed (Potamogeton nodosus). Common Duckweed (Lemna minor)