Alternanthera philoxeroides is an aquatic native to South America but has established itself and spread throughout the southern United States. Alligator Weed has 2 to 3 inch long elliptical leaves that are attached to spreading or ascending hollow stems, which help the plant to float, and although it can grow on dry land it is usually found growing in water.

Found in habitats of wet disturbed sites, waterways, roadside ditches, and pond and stream margins, Alligator Weed can rapidly form extensive, thick mats along shorelines or in shallow water and is considered a noxious invasive weed, crowding out native plants, clogging waterways, and reducing the quality of water by preventing light penetration and oxygenation.

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