Limnobium spongia

Photo by: CDFA

Synonyms: Limnobium laevigatum

Common names: South American spongeplant; West Indian spongeplant

Limnobium spongia (South American spongeplant) is a perennial aquatic plant (family Hydrocharitaceae) found on the San Joaquin river and the Sacramento-San Joaquin delta. The spongeplant can form thick mats across the water causing problems for boats, fish, and water infrastructure. Limnobium spongia can spread rapidly through quick seed production and vegetative growth. The small, floating seeds easily disperse once produced.

Cal-IPC Rating: High?

CDFA Rating: -*?

Assessment(s)

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

Other Limnobium spongia Information

  • Calflora - Distribution map and records of this species in California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution map of this species in California with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • EDDMapS - Distribution of this species in North America.
  • Jepson Interchange - Information on this plant's taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Information on identification and distribution, with links to websites in individual states.
  • Additional photos

    Limnobium spongia_growth habit (young)_JoeDiTomaso
    Limnobium spongia (South American spongeplant) growth habit (young). Photo: Joe DiTomaso