Curly PondweedPotamogeton crispus

Paul P. Dunay IIIKeystone College

ENVT 315Fall 2012

Distribution in United States and Canada

Introduction

• Native to Eurasia, Africa, Australia• Possibly introduced as an aquarium

ornamental or accidentally• Introduced into U.S in mid-1800s• Noxious or prohibited weed in several areas of

the USA: AL, CT, WA, VT

Plant Identification

• Potamogetonaceae• Leaves are typically finely

serrated along the edges• Edges of mature leaves may

be distinctly ruffled• Unique vein pattern• Inconspicuous flowers with

four petal-like lobes on spikes

Characteristics

• Submerged plant species• Fast growing perennial• Grows well in sandy, loamy and clay soils• Cold-tolerant evergreen and will grow through

winter• Low-light adapted• Established early and either avoids competition

or out-competes other macrophytes

Control Measures

• Turions are easily transportable and can remain dormant for up to 2 years

• Mechanical harvesting may be used to obtain some nuisance relief

• P. crispus is sensitive to 2,4-D, especially during early spring

• The herbicides fluridone and diquat have also been used

References

• USDA - http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov• USDA Plants - http://plants.usda.gov• Invasive Species Compendium - http://www.cabi.org