Water Spinach
Ipomoea aquatica
Family: Convolvulaceae
Other Scientific Names:
Ipomoea reptans auct
Other Common Names: swamp morning-glory, swamp morningglory
Weed class: monitor list
Year Listed: 2014
Native to: Asia
Is this Weed Toxic?:
not known to be
Legal listings:
Federally listed as a noxious weed (USDA. APHIS. Plant Protection and Quarantine)
Why Is It a Noxious Weed?
This plant is on the monitor list. Please contact its sponsor Wesley Glisson to report locations or for more information.
How would I identify it?
General Description
Water-spinach is a creeping, herbaceous vine.
Flower Description
Broadly funnel-shaped flowers similar to "morning glory" flowers are showy and generally white, pale pink, or lilac.
Leaf description
Arrowhead shaped leaves are simple, alternate, and usually smooth. Blades are held above the water.
Stem description
Their trailing vine stems float across water surfaces.
Where does it grow?
This plant grows in moist, cultivated areas and in lakes, ponds, drainage ditches and canals.
How Does it Reproduce?
This plant reproduces by seed.
How Do I Control It?
Hand pulling will work, if all plant fragments are collected from the water, as it can reproduce from any left behind. There are many regulations on herbicide use in aquatic areas, so contact a professional rather than attempting any chemical treatments yourself.
For More Information
USDA APHIS page on water spinach
USDA Invasive Species page for water spinach
Florida Department of Environmental Protection weed alert on water spinach
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources page on water spinach
Additional Photos
