The water hyacinth will be on the European Union’s invasive alien species list on Wednesday. Even though it is Britain’s best loved plant for a number of reasons, it faces extermination under this new rule. The reason for the ban is that in warmer climates, such as in Spain, it grows and spreads very quickly, forming a thick mat upon the water’s surface and becoming a problem for lovers of water sports, boaters and for those who draw water from lakes for irrigation and other purposes. Brits must abide by the ban until they officially leave the EU.

Key Takeaways:

• The water hyacinth has been added to the EU’s Invasive Alien Species Regulations, meaning that it cannot be grown or sold anywhere within the EU.
• Spain and Portugal have already halted sales because lakes are being swamped.
• The water hyacinth is a favourite of pond owners because it protects fish from predators such as herons and kingfishers, oxygenates water, and prevents algae from clogging ponds

“The water hyacinth has been added to the EU’s Invasive Alien Species Regulations, meaning that it cannot be grown or sold anywhere within the EU.”

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3716319/EU-bans-pond-plant-water-hyacinth-adding-banned-list-meaning-grown-sold-union.html