Aquatic Invasive Species
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Aquatic Invasive Species | Curlyleaf Pondweed
Curlyleaf Pondweed
(Potamogeton crispus)
Photo Credit: Virginia Tech Weed ID Guide
Curlyleaf Pondweed is a submerged perennial aquatic plant that can be
identified by its reddish-green, wavy leaves with finely toothed margins. The
leaves are typically 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters wide and 3 to 10 centimeters long.
Stems are to some extent flattened and branched. The flowers are small and not
immediately obvious and arranged on a solid spike on a curved, 2.5 to 5
centimeter stalk. Plants can grow to 4 meters in deep water whereas undersized
forms of the plant occur in shallow water.
Curlyleaf Pondweed is found in freshwater lakes, rivers, ponds and streams,
and slightly brackish waters. They can grow in thick beds which
out-compete native aquatic plants. The dense surface mats can interfere with
water-based recreational activities. In some water bodies it becomes the
dominate species and causes significant problems due to the increase in
phosphorus concentrations that cause an increase in algae blooms. Curlyleaf
Pondweed can spread by plant fragments attached to boats and equipment that are
not properly cleaned.
Management steps include cleaning all vegetation off boats and equipment
before leaving the water. Long-term management requires the reduction or
elimination of turions (hardened stem tips) to interrupt its life cycle.
Mechanical control includes raking, cutting or harvesting to provide immediate
relief and herbicides are available.
Curlyleaf Pondweed infestation. Photo Credit: Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, Bugwood.org
Bugwood.org
100th Meridian Initiative
California Department of Fish and Game
Protect Your Waters
Tahoe Resource Conservation District - Aquatic Invasives
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