Water hyacinth baskets are made from the cleaned and dried stems of the Eichhornia crassipes plant — a fast‑growing aquatic plant that floats on the surface of lakes and rivers. Once dried, the plant's long, spongy stems become surprisingly strong and are naturally textured. In many regions, water hyacinth is considered an invasive species, so harvesting it helps control overgrowth. Biodegradable and durable, water hyacinth can be left its natural golden-brown color or stained, adding warmth to home décor.