Bushy Pondweed is an annual highly branched submerged species. Leaf color varies from dark green to a purple shade. Narrow, ribbon-like leaves are typically 1/2 inch long or less and approximately 1/8 inch wide. A distinguishing characteristic is the small spines that can be seen on the leaf edges. Leaves are opposite or whorled with a greater leaf concentration closer to the tip. Bushy Pondweed can reproduce sexually via seed or fragmentation. Although it can form dense coverage and become problematic, it should typically be left alone as its removal could allow invasive or more aggressive plants to enter the habitat. The entire plant is consumed by waterfowl while the submerged sections provide coverage for many fish species.
