Identification and Management of Giant Salvinia

Salviniaceae) is a non-native, extremely invasive aquatic fern that has infested the southern United States. Native to southeastern Brazil, the weed was introduced for use in aquariums and garden ponds. Giant salvinia may also have been brought in as packing with fresh, iced fish. It has been sold under many common names, including water velvet, salvinia, African pyle, aquarium watermoss, kariba weed, water fern, and koi kandy. Since its escape, giant salvinia has become a serious problem in rivers, streams, lakes, dams, and rice fields. It is now found in at least 12 southern states from California to North Carolina, and is threatening waterways in southern Nevada