Picture comingGlossy rounded leaves on swollen, buoyant stalks and showy lilac-blue flowers. One of the world's worst aquatic weeds; banned in the EU, Australia, New Zealand and Florida, among other places.
Check your local laws. EU: on the list of invasive alien species of Union concern since 2016 (no keeping, sale, breeding or release). Australia: Weed of National Significance, declared noxious in all states and territories. New Zealand: National Pest Plant Accord species and unwanted organism (no sale or distribution). USA (Florida): on the state noxious weed and prohibited aquatic plant lists; permit needed to cultivate or transport. Not on the US Federal Noxious Weed list (only Eichhornia azurea is). Never throw it into ponds, rivers or drains.
15 facts checked with sources