Pistia stratiotes/

Floating units of the water lettuce
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Floating units of the water lettuce	Close-up image of the silvery green rosettes of water-shedding foliage

Floating units of the water lettuce

Close-up image of the silvery green rosettes of water-shedding foliage


Scientific Name:	Pistia stratiotes
Common Name:
Comments:	Friend or foe? For many years this has been a popular aquatic plant for water gardens. However, in many warm climates this floating perennial has invaded water ways of all types -- ponds, lakes, marshes, and rivers. The population is so severe in some places shipping channels have been clogged with water lettuce. In many places it is listed as an invasive aquatic plant.