Curly-Leaf Pondweed:

Curly-leaf pondweed is an aquatic perennial plant.  It is native to Eurasia, Africa, and Australia.  It was accidentally introduced to the US in the mid-1800s by hobbyists who used it for aquarium décor.  Now, it is an invasive species in the US. 

The leaves are reddish-green, have wavy edges, and are about 3” long.  The stems grow between 1’ and 3’ in water that is 3’ to 10’ deep.  It also prefers water with high alkalinity and rich in nutrients.  Curly-leaf pondweed has been reported in every state except for Maine. 

Curly-leaf pondweed reproduces using burrs that float away from the mother plant through the water.  These burrs can be transported by water currents, boats, motors, fishing gear, and wildlife.  This plant is often the first to arrive in the spring because it actually begins to grow mid-winter, under the ice.  It tolerates low light levels and low temperatures.  These attributes help it to establish first, and to not allow the growth of other native plants. 

This plant spreads very quickly and can easily overtake a body of water.  It can be controlled using a diquat herbicide such as Reward, or, a salt of endothall such as Aquathall K.