Invasive aquatic plants of South Carolina

Rice was introduced by slaves in the 1700s. it was commonly put beside rivers so the water would flood the rice fields. now wild rice can be seen growing in wetlands.

Asian Dayflower can be seen growing under or above water in fresh water lakes and wetlands. It was introduced along with wild goldfish into ponds owned by wealthy merchants. Now it has grown into many lakes ponds and swamps of freshwater.

Freshwater primrose is a plant that was put into decorational ponds. Now it has spread like wildfire into ponds and lakes across the eastern united states.

Salvinia is a rootless, aquatic fern. Emergent groups of leaves (fronds), oblong and flat or semi-cupped, grow in chains and float on the water surface forming dense mats. Salvinia rapidly depletes dissolved oxygen in water and shades out native species.

Hydrilla was introduced into Florida in the 1950s for the aquarium market.  Now it  has spread into lakes and ponds and can deplete dissolved oxygen levels.

Water lettuce is a medium size succulent that commonly clogs the shoreline of lakes and ponds in the upcountry of South Carolina. Water lettuce however is not considered dangerous as it does not pose a major threat to an species of plant or animal.

The list is longer. go to http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/sertc/invasive-plants.htm  for more