MARSH WEEDS 



Under the heading Marsh Weeds, 17 of the more important herba- 

 ceous pests of waterfowl habitat are discussed alphabetically by 

 their common names. Besides species that are typical marsh plants, 

 waterlilies, waterhyacinth, and other aquatics having leaves at or 

 above the water surface are included since their dense stands are 

 often implied in the designation "marsh." Their foliage is sprayed 

 with herbicides in much the same way as other marsh plants, and 

 in this regard they are distinct from submerged aquatics. Swamp- 

 inhabiting trees or shrubs are discussed under Woody Weeds on 

 page 52. 



ALLIGATORWEED 



BOTANICAL 



The genus Altemanthera (also listed as Achyranthes) is largely 

 tropical but includes half a dozen species in the Southeast. Only 

 one member of the group, alligatorweed, (A. philoxeroides) also 

 called alligatorgrass or pigweed, is a serious pest in this country. 

 Besides having wide distribution in Central and South America, 

 it occurs along our lower coastal plain from Texas to North Caro- 

 lina. An infestation that appeared in the TVA area about 1933 

 has persisted and spread. In 1955, beds of alligatorweed were 

 found at Moyock, N. C, near Currituck Sound and the Virginia 

 line, the northernmost point of infestation thus far. Infestations 

 in Los Angeles, Calif., have recently been reported. 



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