Non-Native – Invasive – Eradicate
Native to Europe, this perennial plant is aggressive and should be eradicated. Taking after its name, the submerged aquatic plant has alternating wavy, oblong leaves ranging from 3/4 to 4 inches long and approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inches wide. Curly Leaf Pondweed can cause considerable damage in spring as its dense coverage can crowd out native plants and interrupt recreational activities. After it dies back in midsummer, the dead plants pile up on shorelines causing a phosphorus increase generating algal blooms. Biologists believe this invasive species is spread by turions and care should be taken when using watercraft. Boaters must take special care to clean their watercraft after use and when leaving waters where Curly Leaf Pondweed is present.
