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Hydrilla is a plant found in freshwater.  The Hydrilla will grow to the waters surface from a depth of up to 20 feet.  Hydrillas are a familiar aquatic plant and can grow in a variety of different water types. Hydrillas can grow only a few inches in water, but they can also grow to about 20 feet deep underwater.  The Hydrilla can thrive in either oligotrophic (low nutrient) or eutrophic (high nutrient) water conditions.  

The tolerance temperature level of a Hydrilla is 20o C to 27o C; consequently, it cannot stand harsh climates.  Upon extending to the surface, the Hydrillas full branches spread out to form a thick mat.  The submerged stems of the Hydrilla can be as long as 25 feet.   The Hydrilla roots, also know as Rhizomes, are  oftentimes than not|by and large|mostly|in general] off-white or yellowish in color.  The Hydrilla has numerous choices when it comes time to multiply. Fragmentation, from seeds, from tuber, and turions (auxiliary buds) are ways how this pest reproduces.

When equated with other plants the Hydrilla has a number of advantages.   Only one percent sunlight is need for the Hydrilla to grow. These floras also take up the rich nutrients from its place so that the other native sources can’t get it. Hydrillas grow quickly, competing with indigenous floras, and are consequently considered a noxious pest.  The greatest danger of Hydrilla is that it can grow out of control and undetected until it pops out at the surface at the last minute.  Hydrillas will ofttimes choke out indigenous aquatic floras because they take up so much surface area absorbing the sunshine and foods.

Millions of dollars are spent each year on weed killers and harvesting devices in an effort to keep this floras growth under control.   Hydrilla harms the flora in the immediate area making it near impossible for fishermen to fish.   Hydrilla is responsible for slowing water flow and choking irrigation and flood- control canals.   Hydrilla impedes bathers, boaters and fishermen alike.  Mass amounts of Hydrilla can seriously lower the oxygen levels of the water it is growing in.

Elodea and Egeria are ofttimes confused for Hydrilla. The aquatic plants Elodea and Egeria are frequently thought to be Hydrilla.   Hydrillas have one or more teeth on the undersurface of the midrib. But for Elodea and Egeria, this is not present.  Because of the teeth, Hydrilla will feel rough. Hydrilla will feel rough due to the presence of the teeth on the undersurface of the plant.   Also, Egeria has larger blossoms than the Hydrilla.

Hydrilla is consumed by macro and micro invertebrates.   Species like ducks, fish, amphibians and reptilians will consume the rotted remains of the micro and macro organisms that fed on the Hydrilla.   Bacteria and fungi decompose Hydrillas that die naturally and then produce a food called rubble, which many aquatic creatures eat.  Ducks ofttimes eat Hydrilla turions and tubers, but this is not a substantial source of food. Ducks will often feed on the tubers and turions of Hydrilla, but they don’t make a great diet.