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The Hydrilla is an aquatic fresh water flora.  This flora grows to the surface of the water from a depth as great as 20 feet.  This very familiar water flora can be found in all types of water: rivers, lakes, marshes, springs and the like.  This water flora can thrive in water that is very shallow or up to 20 feet deep.  This plant can grow in either oligotrophic (low nutrient) or eutrophic (high nutrient) water.  

The tolerance temperature level of a Hydrilla is 20o C to 27o C; therefore, it can’t stand harsh climates.  Upon reaching the surface, the Hydrillas full branches spread out to form a thick mat.  It might have stems as long as twenty five feet submerged in water!   The Hydrilla roots, also know as Rhizomes, are  ofttimes than not|by and large|mostly|in general] off-white or yellowish in color. There are lots of ways a Hydrilla can reproduce.  When it is time to multiply the Hydrilla accomplishes this in one of four ways: fragmentation, seeds, tubers and turions (auxiliary buds).

The Hydrilla has many positives on its side when compared to other aquatic floras.  It can grow in very low light with 1% sunshine.  indigenous plants in the same area as a Hydrilla get insubstantial amounts of foods because of the Hydrillas absorption rate.  Hydrillas are labeled as a pestilent pest because of their fast growth rate that makes them a threat to other indigenous plants.   Hydrilla is especially dangerous because it can almost entirely take over a body of water before appearing on the surface. When it covers a big area, all the aquatic plants that fall under it die due to the lack of sunlight or nutrition. When Hydrilla encompasses a large area, all the other aquatic floras fail because the do not receive enough sunlight or nutrients.

Each year, millions are spent on herbicides and harvesting all in an effort to control the growth and spread of Hydrilla.   Hydrilla harms the flora in the surrounding area making it near impossible for fishermen to fish.   Slowed water flow and clogged up irrigation or flood control ducts are as a result of Hydrilla over growth.  Swimming, yachting and angling can not be properly done in areas when Hydrilla has taken hold. When a lot of Hydrilla grows together, it can totally take down that areas water oxygen level.

Elodea and Egeria are often mixed up for Hydrilla. The marine plants Elodea and Egeria are often thought to be Hydrilla.   Hydrillas have one or more teeth on the bottom 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 underside of the plant.  The flowers the Egeria produce are also bigger than the Hydrilla.  

Hydrilla is eaten by macro and micro invertebrates.   Species like ducks, fish, amphibians and reptilians will consume the decomposed remains of the micro and macro organisms that fed on the Hydrilla.   Bacteria and fungi disintegrate Hydrillas that die naturally and then produce a food called debris, which many marine 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.