alligatorweed
Family
AmaranthaceaeScientific Name
Alternanthera philoxeroides
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Achyranthes philoxeroides
Habit
Alligator weed is an aquatic or terrestrial perennial weed. It forms a mat of tangled stems up to 1 meter long.
Leaves
Leaves are arranged oppositely and are elliptic in shape. They are fused directly to the stem (sessile). Leaf margins are entire.
Identifying Characteristics
The stems of alligatorweed are hollow.
Flower Seed Head
The flowers are white and up to 1.5mm wide. This weed does not produce any type of fruit or seed.
Where Found
This weed is found covering waterways or shorelines.
Growth Habit
prostrate and nonwoody
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
pencil
Dominant Flower Color
white
Flower Symmetry
radial symmetery
Leaf Hairs
no hairs
Leaf Shape
oval
Leaf Arrangement
opposite
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
none
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Root Structure
taproot
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Herb