Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Curlyleaf pondweed, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Stem

  • 1-15 ft. long, flattened and channeled; branching can increase at the end of the stem, leading to matting
Photo of curlyleaf pondweed
Curlyleaf pondweed

Leaves

  • Olive green to reddish brown, slightly translucent; alternate, sessile, 1.5-4 in. long, narrow, with toothed margins; leaf margins are wavy with a conspicuous mid-vein; leaf tips are rounded or blunt
Photo of curlyleaf pondweed

Curlyleaf pondweed

Flower

  • Green inconspicuous flowers; stalk supporting the flower will grow 1 in. above water surface; seeds are nutlet-like structures
Photo of curlyleaf pondweed

Curlyleaf pondweed leaves

Root

  • Rhizomes, pale yellow or reddish; will root at the nodes
 
 

Other

  • Grows in ponds, lakes, streams, rivers, reservoirs, irrigation ditches and marshy areas; known to occur in Churchill, Douglas, Elko and Lyon counties
  • Perennial; grows as submersed aquatic plant; will grow from shore out to depths of 15 ft.
  • Spreads aggressively from fragments of roots and stems; produces seed, but seedlings rare
 

Control

  • Mechanical harvesting can reduce plant density, but plants re-sprout from stem fragments; bottom barriers can be used to smother infested areas
  • Chemical controls must be labeled for water use: diquat, endothall, flumioxazin, fluridone, imazamox and others; check label for rates and water temperature requirements; large infestations should be treated a portion at a time to prevent low oxygen levels as plants decompose

Learn more about the author(s)

Heidi Kratsch
Heidi Kratsch
 

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