Species PlantsMexican Mosquito Fern

Mexican Mosquito Fern

Azolla mexicana

CommonPlant
Illustration of Mexican Mosquito Fern (Azolla mexicana)

Mexican Mosquito Fern is a small, floating aquatic fern that forms dense mats on the water's surface. Its vibrant green fronds can turn reddish in full sun, adding a splash of color to ponds and wetlands. This plant is known for its symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria.

Habitat
It is found in still or slow-moving freshwater bodies like ponds and ditches.
Diet
Provides habitat and food for aquatic insects and small fish.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Mexican Mosquito Fern

The best time to see a Mexican Mosquito Fern is June–October, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 148 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Mexican Mosquito Fern? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Mexican Mosquito Fern sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Mexican Mosquito Fern? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Mexican Mosquito Fern is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love plants? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More plants

Mexican Prickly Poppy
Mexican Prickly Poppy
Argemone mexicana
Mexican Redbud
Mexican Redbud
Cercis canadensis var. mexicana
Michaux's Stitchwort
Michaux's Stitchwort
Minuartia michauxii
Michigan Lily
Michigan Lily
Lilium michiganense
Miner's Lettuce
Miner's Lettuce
Claytonia perfoliata
Mistassini Primrose
Mistassini Primrose
Primula mistassinica
Mock Orange
Mock Orange
Philadelphus lewisii
Monstera
Monstera
Monstera deliciosa