Curly-leaf Pondweed
Photo by Kristian Peters
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Common Name: Curly-leaf pondweed
Scientific Name: Potamogeton crispus
Origin: Europe, Africa, Australia
Description
Curly-leaf pondweed is a submerged perennial that resembles many native pondweeds. Care must be taken to correctly identify this species. Rigid, reddish-green, oblong leaves have distinct, finely toothed, wavy edges. The plant’s flat, reddish-brown stem grows from one to 16 feet. Most reproduction is from winter buds, called turions.
Habitat
Curly-leaf pondweed is tolerant of low light and low water temperatures and invades shallow as well as deep water.
Threat
New plants form under ice cover during late winter, making curly-leaf pondweed one of the first plants to emerge in early summer. Plant die-offs in midsummer may cause a critical loss of oxygen.
Management
Control methods for curly-leaf pondweed have included physical, mechanical, or chemical techniques. There are many native look-alike pondweeds. Please confirm identification before beginning any management program.
Distribution: View Map
