Ecological Risk Screening Summary - Water Spangles (Salvinia minima) - High Risk

Species that are considered high risk have a well-documented history of invasiveness in at least one location globally and are of establishment concern for the contiguous United States based on a climate matching analysis.

Salvinia minima, water spangles, is a free floating aquatic plant native to Central and South America. S. minima is commonly found in calm waters such as marshes, ponds, lakes, and backwaters of rivers and streams. This species is commonly sold in the garden and aquarium trade and has been introduced and established outside of its native range, mainly in the United States. S. minima is regulated in at least four States. The History of Invasiveness for S. minima is classified as High due to several established populations with documented negative impacts including reductions in native plant species, water chemistry alteration, interference with recreational activities, and high economic cost to localities for control and management. The climate matching analysis for the contiguous United States indicates establishment concern for this species. Areas of high match were found in the Southeast, Southwest, and in patches in the Midwest and Great Lakes. The Certainty of Assessment for this ERSS is classified as High due to the availability of information on the biology, ecology, distribution, and negative impacts of introduction. The Overall Risk Assessment Category for S. minima in the contiguous United States is High.