2024-Sep-10
Invasive plant Hydrilla found in Ontario at Hillman Marsh
The Invasive Species Centre has confirmed the presence of Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) at Hillman Marsh Conservation Area in Ontario, marking the first-ever detection of this highly invasive aquatic plant in Canada. Hydrilla is a submerged aquatic plant that can grow up to 3 meters long and form dense mats on the water’s surface. Native to Asia, it has been introduced to other parts of the world through human activity. Hydrilla poses a similar threat to the ecosystem as Phragmites with its rapid growth, ability to overtake and replace native vegetation and destroy wetlands.
It appears that eradication of this Hillman Marsh Hydrilla patch may be possible, with sufficient federal and Ontario government funding and support, but has it already spread elsewhere?