The annual marina-choking Water Hyacinth and Egeria Densa season is in full bloom. Water Hyacinth spreads by broadcasting floating mats of plant growth. The plant looks attractive with deep green leaves and lavender flowers, but it cannot be allowed to flourish. It is one of the fastest growing plants in the world, and if left alone will grow to a depth of 6 feet and double in size every 10 days, entirely choking waterways, harbors, and marinas. The plant seeds are known to survive up to 50 years.
Egeria Densa (Brazilian Elodea) takes over where Water Hyacinth leaves off. This plant is the one often found in home aquariums and was probably introduced into the Delta from that source. Egeria Densa does not break the water’s surface but does block the waterways from the bottom up. .
Both plants are fast growing and become a danger to other marine life by removing oxygen from the water. By clogging the channel, they can also become a hazard to boating.
The State of California Department of Boating and Waterways is tasked with keeping these invasive plants in check, which they primarily accomplish by spraying with herbicides. The State admits it is impossible to entirely eradicate these plants, but that spraying is the best strategy for keeping their growth in check. Annually the Department of Boating and Waterways spends over $7 million in the Delta alone to slow the spread of these two harmful plants.
