The ANLA and the VNLA are alerting the nursery industry about the noxious weed, Giant salvinia (Salvinia molesta).

This plant is a floating fern, which has been recognized as one of the worst aquatic weeds in the world. If uncontrolled, it will invade and dominate every fresh water ecosystem in which it is established by forming a thick mat, which displaces and destroys all associated native flora. It is a serious threat to irrigation and water management ranging in all areas where freshwaters remain unfrozen in the winter roughly southeastern Virginia south to Florida, and to the West Coast.

Plants have been found in nurseries or offered for sale in Florida, Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, Louisiana, Hawaii, Louisiana and elsewhere. Given the plant's status as a Federal noxious weed, and its risks to agriculture and the environment, nurseries are urged not to propagate, sell, or use this plant.

Further information can be found on the internet website address: http://nas.er.usgs.gov/ferns