Hydrilla is highly adaptable. It thrives in still and flowing waters, including rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, streams, and wet ditches, and can also tolerate a range of nutrient and light conditions. The plant grows up to 2.5 cm a day. It has a competitive advantage over many native plants because it begins photosynthesis (converting sunlight to energy that helps it grow) earlier in the day than most plants. Because tiny plant pieces can develop into new plants, hydrilla can easily spread when water currents, boat propellers, trailers, fishing gear, or people carry plants or plant fragments to new areas (Ontario, 2018).
Size: Stems grow up to 9 m in length; leaves are 6-20 mm long and 2-4 mm wide.