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Water Lettuce

Pistia stratiotes

In the Carolinas and Georgia, found in streams, rivers and their banks. Weakley, Flora of the Southeastern United States (2025), Carolinas & Georgia edition What its natural habitat tells you

-15
Harmful

Native to Louisiana (estimated). How scores work Is it native here?

Profile 65%

Height
3–6 inches
Spread
6 inches–1.5 feet
Light
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Wet to standing water
See native alternatives

Do not plant. Listed invasive in Louisiana.

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  • Maidenhair Spleenwort
    Asplenium trichomanes

    Sun: Dappled sunlight, Deep shade. Soil: Usually moist. Flowers: Not applicable.

    Similar growth form, height, evergreen or deciduous

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At a glance

Life cycle
Perennial
Leaves
Evergreen

Not yet recorded · Bloom

Recorded in 25 Louisiana parishes.

Natural habitats

Places it grows wild. Not a planting requirement. Each habitat page lists the plants and wildlife also found there.

Streams, rivers and their banks

Flowing water and its banks, bars and rocky shoals.

All habitats

Ecological relationships

Who uses this plant?

What these records mean

2CaterpillarsGenus host records with ranges including LA

Genus host records with ranges including LA · Pistia

  • Elophila obliteralisWaterlily Leafcutter Moth
  • Samea multiplicalisSalvinia Stem-borer Moth
Shropshire & Tallamy 2025, Lepidoptera of North America north of Mexico, ZooKeys 1261 (ODbL)
—BeesSoutheastern regional records
—Specialist beesPollen specialists
—BirdsRecorded genus food-resource interactions; not a state feeding claim
Growing and identification

Plant details

Family
Araceae
Hardiness
Zones 8a–10b
Flower color
Yellow, green, inconspicuous or white

Safety has not been reviewed for this plant; check toxicity and thorns before planting.

Growing sources and scope

Conservation status

Louisiana rankSNR
Global rankG5
LA statusNot verified
Federal statusNot verified

Conservation source Global and federal source

Sources