Salvinia, Common

Description

Common salvinia is a free-floating aquatic fern with a horizontal rhizome that floats at or just below the water's surface. A pair of fronds (leaves), less than ½ inch long, are produced at each node along the rhizome The fronds are bright green, oval, with a central midrib and covered with stiff, white hairs. Common salvinia has no true roots. Underwater fronds act like roots to take up nutrients from the water. Because common salvinia is a fern, it does not produce flowers or seed and reproduces only through spores fragmentation.

Habitat

Common salvinia is a non-native species introduced from South America. The species is prominent in Florida, Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast. A few populations have been observed in the southernmost areas of the Tennessee Valley region. They rarely overwinter and are believed to be reintroduced annually through boat movement.

Identifying Features

What it Looks Like—A floating aquatic fern, common salvinia can be identified by its floating cupped fronds, which often appear hairy.

Where to Find It—This species thrives in calm, backwater areas but will begin to float throughout the reservoir with changing winds and currents.

Similar Species—Similar to giant salvinia, common salvinia can be separated by a “T” shape to hairs within each frond. Giant salvinia is larger and hairs are shaped like eggbeaters.

Seasonal Fishing Techniques

Spring—In late spring, existing plants can provide floating mats that can be targeted with flipping baits and jigs.

Summer—Common salvinia will grow rapidly while weather is warm, quickly forming dense colonies. Even heavy punching will do little to penetrate within salvinia. Some edge fishing may be available.

Fall—Plants introduced in summer will maximize colonization by vegetative reproduction of new plants. Remaining colonies can be penetrated in late fall as the plants begin to die.

Winter—Preferring warm water, this species will quickly die off in winter. Fishing benefit is negligible.

Drawbacks

Although this species rarely overwinters in TVA systems, common salvinia could quickly become a problem species if it becomes more tolerant of a cold-water environment.