Alligator Weed

Alternanthera philoxeroides

al-ter-NAN-thur-ah fill-ox-er-OID-ees

Amaranthaceae

Native to: South America

Recognition: Sprawling herb usually in water, or in row crops and gardens; stem often pinkish; leaves opposite, elliptic to oblanceolate; fruits tiny, one-seeded.

Potentially confused species:   Gomphrena has two bracts beneath the flower head.  Joy-Weed (Alternanthera flavescens) grows in dry habitats, has the tepals pubescent (vs. glabrous), and usually lanceolate (vs. elliptic or widest above the middle) leaves.

Other:  Alligator Flea Beetles have been released as biological control for this weed.

Contributed by: Sarah Lopinot.