Alternanthera philoxeroides
Alligatorweed
NON-NATIVE
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Stems to 1 m long, looking jointed where leaves attach
Credit: Kristie Gianopulos. Used with permission.
FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:
Stems can be up to 1 m long, look jointed where leaves attach, and are red-tinged at the joints.
Synonym(s): Achyranthes philoxeroides
Description: Vine-like, weedy perennial, often growing in dense floating mats, rooted in water up to 2 m deep.
Leaves: Opposite, toothless, smooth and somewhat succulent leaves. Stems hollow.
Flowers/Fruit: Small, white, globular flowers born on long stalks emerging from base of leaves. Flowers and fruits March to October.
Habit and Range: In mats on still waters of fresh to brackish rivers, canals, ditches, ponds, and lake margins of the Piedmont and Coastal Plain.
Typical Max Plant Height (m):
0.5
Leaf Arrangement:
Opposite
Leaf Division:
Simple
Leaf Margin:
Entire
Leaf Shape:
Oblanceolate,
Elliptic
Inflorescence Color:
White
Fruit Color:
Lifespan:
Perennial
Group:
Dicot
Family:
Amaranthaceae / Amaranth
Ecoregions Found In:
Piedmont,
Coastal Plain
