Curly Leaf Pondweed

Impact – A noxious and adaptive strong competitor with native plants that can produce dense mats. Summer die-off increases nutrient levels and may cause a loss of oxygen that can lead to habitat disturbance and degraded water quality. CLP has spread to almost every state. As it forms early under ice, it can dominate native plants.

What it is – A submerged aquatic perennial plant that thrives in waters shallow or deep, still or flowing, where many other aquatic plants do not. Grows in cool conditions giving it a head start on native aquatics, reaching maturity by late spring early summer and dying off in summer. It can grow actively under ice up to 16 feet in depth.

How to Identify – CLP is the only pondweed that has leaves with oblong serrated (finely-toothed) jagged edges. Leaves (1.5 to 4 inches long) are alternating reddish green and stiff with wavy leaf edges resembling lasagna noodles. The slightly flattened stems rise from slender rhizomes and branch profusely giving the pant a bushy appearance. Stems may be several meters in length. CLP has submerged leaves only where some native pondweeds (in Schroon) have both submerged and floating leaves. In spring, CLP produces flower spikes that stick up above the water surface. Note- SL has native pondweeds also.

Control – Contact ESSLA with location if you suspect this invasive. We have an active program that tracks and reports this along with Eurasian Milfoil for hand harvesting every summer.