Water lettuce is a floating plant. Experts disagree as to whether water lettuce is native to the U.S.: it has been present in Florida since as early as 1765 when the explorer, William Bartram, described and drew the plant in Lake George.
Water Lettuce
Enhance a garden pond with these floating, glossy green cups. Found on ponds and lakes from India to tropical America, it rises above the surface in crowded colonies and even takes root on shore if stranded.
Water lettuce is a floating plant, it occurs in lakes, rivers and canals, occasionally forming large dense mats.
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) is a non-native invasive species that resembles a floating head of lettuce. It reproduces quickly and takes over the entire surface of freshwater lakes and ponds,…
How to Control Water Hyacinths ...
Water Lettuce should not be used in non-freezing climates where it can become a noxious water pest. However, in constructed water gardens of the north, it functions as an ornamental floater...you won't notice any flowers.
Jack photographed this water lettuce invading the Wekiva River near Orlando, Florida. This noxious pest is able to completely clog waterways and eradication is difficult and expensive.
Usage ...
Among the floating plants, the duckweeds, Frogbit and Water Lettuce (given a high enough temperature) should do well in your aquarium. The Water Hyacinth is obviously worth trying. It will flower in a warm room with plenty of sunshine.
Duckweed's closest relative is water lettuce (Pistia sp.), but they are also relatives of the aroids, such as jack-in-the-pulpits, though formerly it was believed they were related to orchids & palm trees.
Pistia stratiotes. Water Lettuce. Also known as shellflower. An aquatic plant often seeing growing in ponds and aquaria. Leaves are shell-shaped. Flowers are inconspicuous.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Miner's lettuce (Claytonia perfoliata, Montia perfoliata)
Water lettuce, shell flower (Pistia stratoites)
Related Topics ...
Salvinia longifolia - Giant Velvet Leaf
Eichhornia crassipes - Water Hyacinth
Pistia stratiotes - Water Lettuce
Algae Problems ...
This free-floating foliage provides shelter for fish and helps shade out algae. Species include water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes), water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), salvinia (Salvinina rotundifolia) and duckweed (Lemna minor).
I have so many extra pond plants, I wish I knew of anyone in my area that needed them. I have Purple Pickerel Rush, Pink Pickerel Rush, Umbrella Palm,TONS of water lettuce. It would be nice to share and trade with local folk! More ...
Water chestnut (Trapa natans)
Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
Water primrose (Ludwigia uruguayensis)
Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica)
Wetland nightshade (Solanum tampicense) ...
Nile cabbage; water lettuce Pistia stratiotes
nit grass Gastridium phleoides
nodding plumeless thistle Carduus nutans
nodding star-of-Bethlehem Ornithogalum nutans
none found Epidendrum x obrienianum
northern catalpa; western catalpa Catalpa speciosa ...
 See also: Lettuce, Green, May, Lily, Orchid
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