Mexican Mosquito Fern
Azolla mexicana
Status
Threatened (Federal)
Blue List (Provincial)
Description
This tiny, floating plant is 1 cm to 1.5 cm in diameter although it often clumps together and forms larger patches. It has numerous scale-like leaves up to 1 mm long, and many short trailing roots. The Mosquito-fern is reddish-green during the summer and bright red or brownish red in the fall.
Habitat
This plant prefers quiet backwaters or the still waters of oxbow lakes. During the summer, colonies of this plant can completely cover the surface of the water.
Threats
-These plants grow close to major transportation corridors and spills of oil, gas and other toxic substances threaten this plant
-Accumulation of salt on the roads and its effect on water when the snow melts
-Road expansion or construction
You Can Help!
-Keep the area free of invasive plants
-Avoid trampling or driving over the plant and the surrounding habitat
-Learn more about this plant and its biology