Hydrilla is one of the most damaging of the aquatic plants. It is present in only one lake system in Washington, so early detection is important. Care must be taken not to mistake Hydrilla for one of the other plants in the trio because it requires special, rapid action to control its spread. Brazilian elodea is a common nuisance aquatic weed in Washington, while common elodea is a native species. In addition to the native milfoils, several other aquatic plants are commonly mistaken for Eurasian watermilfoil.
Plants are amazingly adaptable organisms.
Since they are usually rooted and can't move around to search out hospitable environments like animals do, plants adjust their growth to match the environment that they find themselves in. The form of an aquatic plant, like all plants, is determined by an intricate interaction between its environment and biology. Photos and drawings cannot convey the rich variation possible as individual plants respond to their unique environment. The illustrations shown here represent the general features of the plant. The plants you find in your lake should be compared to the illustrations with special consideration of the key features mentioned in the text.