Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata)

Hydrilla: An Invasive Water Weed

Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata), dubbed one of the world's most invasive aquatic plants, was found in the Cayuga Inlet in 2011. The Hydrilla Task Force is working to eradicate hydrilla in the Cayuga Lake Watershed

2020 Hydrilla Efforts

Video of presentations "The Status of Hydrilla in Cayuga Lake During 2020" offered 11/4, hosted by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network.

Report Hydrilla Suspects!

Think you've found hydrilla among the Cayuga Lake Watershed? Report a suspect by clicking here!

Dan Munsell checks a boat for signs of hydrilla at Treman Marine State Park, Ithaca NY, summer 2013

How You Can Help!

Everyone can help in the fight against hydrilla. Learn more about what you can do to stop the spread of this invasive water weed.

Management Options

There are four main management options for hydrilla: biological, chemical, mechanical, and physical.

Economic Impacts

Hydrilla can reduce water flow, clog or damage water control structures, reduce fish populations, and compromise recreational uses such as boating & swimming.

Blue-Green Algae

Studies have linked invasive hydrilla to a deadly toxin produced by blue-green algae, resulting in illness and death of wild birds and domestic pets.

Last updated September 4, 2020

Hydrilla

Report Hydrilla Suspects

Think you might have found hydrilla?
Report a suspect! Your reports are a big help toward stopping the spread of this aggressive, invasive plant. Take a close up photo on a white background if possible to help us determine if it is hydrilla or elodea, the look-like native plant.

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Tompkins County