The Water Hyacinth, Eichhornia crassipes, grows in ponds and streams. This exotic (introduced to the Pacific) plant floats on the waters surface all of its life. It has massive amounts of tiny, black, hair like roots, green oval leaves, and lavender flowers.

In some places this plant is thought to be a pesky weed and in other places it is thought to be a helpful plant. It's true that the Water Hyacinth is a pest because it grows very fast and blocks waterways. But some people use these "pests" to help them. The roots can filter water and remove dirt and other bad things. The clean water can then go back into the ecosystem. People also cook and eat the leaves, stalks and flowering parts of this plant.