Mosquito Fern
Other Common Names: duckweed fern, fairy moss, water fern, azolla
(Azolla caroliniana)
Native
Mosquito fern floats on the surface, forming large colonies, and can be green or red to brown.
Description
Mosquito fern is a free floating plant that has two lobes: one floating and one below the water’s surface.
The leaves are oppositely arranged around the stem. Leaves are green when actively growing and red to brown when stressed.
Mosquito fern grows in quiet ponds, lakes, swamps, and in slow moving water or resting on mud. It is often found mixed with duckweed and/or watermeal. It can cover the whole pond quickly, blocking out sunlight and oxygen, leading to fish kills.
Management Options
Click here for more information on how to control mosquito fern.
Location
Mosquito fern can be found in the northeast, southeast, south, and midwest.
Propagation
seeds
Management Options
Click here for more information on how to control mosquito fern.