Water Lettuce

Waterlettuce is a free-floating aquatic perennial that resembles a floating head of lettuce. Plants have feathered roots as well as stolons that produce daughter plants. Leaves are fleshy, wedge-shaped, 1–6 in (2½– 15 cm) long, and covered with dense water repellent hairs. The inflorescence is an inconspicuous spadix with a ring of 6–8 male flowers and one female flower below. They are enclosed by a hairy white spathe. Fruits are very small green berries.

Native to South America, Asia, and Australia

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Prevention is the highest priority for water lettuce in Teton County. Given the proximity of other infestations and preference for tropical climates, water lettuce is not likely to spread to the area by natural means. Do not dump aquariums, and do not stock ponds, including small koi ponds, with water lettuce or other invasive species.