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Hydrilla is a plant found in fresh water. The Hydrilla will grow to the waters surface from a depth of up to 20 feet. This is a very familiar plant because it can almost grow in any freshwaters such as springs, rivers, fenland, ditches, and lakes. This water plant can prosper in water that is very shallow or up to 20 feet deep. This plant can grow in either oligotrophic (low nutrient) or eutrophic (high nutrient) water.  
 
The tolerance temperature level of a Hydrilla is 20o C to 27o C; thus, it cannot stand harsh climates. Upon reaching the surface, the Hydrillas full branches spread out to form a thick mat. It might have stems as long as 25 feet submerged in water! The Hydrilla roots, also know as Rhizomes, are  often than not off-white or yellow in color. | The roots or Rhizomes of the Hydrilla are frequently yellow or off-white in color. }There are many ways a Hydrilla can reproduce. Fragmentation, from seeds, from tuber, and turions (auxiliary buds) are ways how this pest procreates.
 
The Hydrilla has many positives on its side when compared to other aquatic plants. Only one percent sunlight is need for the Hydrilla to grow. indigenous plants in the same area as a Hydrilla get insubstantial amounts of nutrients because of the Hydrillas absorption rate. Hydrillas can grow very rapidly, contending with the indigenous species, and that’s why it is believed a noxious pest. The greatest danger of Hydrilla is that it can grow out of control and undetected until it pops out at the surface at the last minute. When it covers a big area, all the marine plants that fall under it die due to the lack of sunshine or nutrition. When Hydrilla encompasses a large area, all the other marine plants fail because the do not receive enough sunlight or foods.
 
Millions of dollars are spent each year on herbicides and harvesting devices in an effort to keep this floras growth under control. People can’t fish in areas where Hydrilla is found because it so adversely effects the other flora life in the area. Hydrilla is responsible for slowing water flow and clogging irrigation and flood- control canals. Bathing, boating, and angling all are severely affected by it. When a lot of Hydrilla grows together, it can totally take down that areas water oxygen level.
 
Elodea and Egeria are frequently confused for Hydrilla. The marine plants Elodea and Egeria are often thought to be Hydrilla. Hydrilla can be identified by the teeth found on the undersurface of the midrib. Elodea and Egeria do not have teeth present on their undersides. Neither Elodea nor Egeria has teeth on their undersurface. Due to these teeth, we feel the harshness of these plants when we rub over from its base to the tip. Also, Egeria has larger flowers than the Hydrilla.
 
Hydrilla is consumed by macro and micro invertebrates. When they die and break up they turn into food for species like ducks, fish, amphibians, reptilians and other wildlife species. Bacteria and fungi decompose Hydrillas that die naturally and then produce a food called detritus, which many marine creatures eat. Ducks often eat Hydrilla turions and tubers, but this is not a substantial source of food. Ducks will often feed on the tubers and turions of Hydrilla, but they don’t make a great diet.