Filamentous Algae
(Spirogyra spp.)

Also known as pond scum or moss, filamentous algae forms mats on the water's surface. This algae usually begins its growth along the edges or pond bottom and mushrooms to the surface buoyed by the oxygen it has produces.

Treatable with: Cutrine-Plus, Copper Sulfate, Cutrine-Plus Granular
(Good : Better : Best)

Hydrodictyon
(Hydrodictyon reticulatum)

Hydrodictyon is a type of filamentous algae that is characterized by a hollow tube like structure. Upon closer examination, these tubes appear to be comprised of a hexagonal netting. Fragmentation and rapid growth in nutrient-rich water allow this algae to quickly overtake a pond.

Treatable with: Hydrothol 191, Cutrine-Plus, Reward, Copper Sulfate
(Good : Better : Best)

Lyngbya
(Lyngbya spp.)

This troublesome variety of blue-green algae forms small spongy masses that grow on the bottom and eventually float to the surface. It often has a dull grey color and is difficult to control.

Treatable with: Algimycin SP, Reward, Hydrothol 191, Cutrine-Plus, Copper Sulfate, Nutrisorb
(Good : Better : Best)

Planktonic Algae

Planktonic algae is a microscopic, primitive algae that is usually found suspended in the upper four feet of the water column. During warmer months, planktonic algae is capable of reaching bloom proportions very quickly. Natural die-offs of planktonic algae may cause a summer fish kill due to oxygen depletion.

Treatable with: Algimycin SP, Nutrisorb, Cutrine-Plus, Copper Sulfate
(Good : Better : Best)

Chara
(Chara vulgaris)

This advanced form of algae, which is gray-green or yellow in appearance, is often mistaken for a true aquatic weed. The best way to identify it is by its musky odor and gritty feel due to calcium deposits on the plans surface. Dense growths attach but do not root and may cover the entire bottom of the lake. Control is easiest in the months of April and May.

Treatable with: Cutrine-Plus, Cutrine-Plus Granular, Copper Sulfate
(Good : Better : Best)

Duckweed
(Lemna minor)

This small floating green plant has a 1-2 inch thread like root and is often mistaken for algae. It is most commonly seen in older, nutrient rich ponds and is notorious for covering the entire pond surface and may induce a fish kill. Herbicide treatments should be made as soon as it is observed.

Treatable with: Sonar, Reward
(Good : Better : Best)

Watermeal
(Wolffia spp.)

Watermeal is a small granular plant without the presence of roots.. It thrives in still, rich conditions and can be difficult to control even with several herbicidal treatments.

Treatable with: Sonar, Reward
(Good : Better : Best)

American Elodea
(Elodea canadensis)

Also known as anacharis, this submersed weed has broad oval leaves, arranged in whorls around the stem. The whorls are compact near the growth tip with spacing between the whorls gradually increasing further down the stem. American Elodea is found throughout the United States.

Treatable with: Reward, Sonar, Aquathol K, Hydrothol 191, Nautique
(Good : Better : Best)

Coontail
(Ceratophyllum demersum)

Usually found in hard water, coontail is found completely submerged but without roots. The dark green forking leaves are arranged in whorls on the stem. Coontail can be found throughout the continental United States.

Treatable with: Reward, Sonar, Aquathol K, Hydrothol 191
(Good : Better : Best)

Eurasian Watermilfoil
(Myriophyllum spicatum)

Eurasian watermilfoil is considered to be one of the most aggressive and problematic aquatic weeds to infest ponds and lakes. Stems are reddish in color with fan shaped leaves. (Eurasian watermilfoil photo courtesy of Alison Fox - Universiy of Florida)

Treatable with: Sonar, Reward, Renovate, Aquathol K
(Good : Better : Best)

Curly-leaf Pondweed
(Potamogeton crispus)

Curly-leaf pondweed leaves are bright green with a reddish hue. The wavy margins on the sides of its leaves make this plant easy to identify. Curly-leaf pondweed thrives early in the spring before most other pond-weeds are prevalent. This aquatic plant is an important source of food for migrating waterfowl.

Treatable with: Sonar, Aquathol K, Reward
(Good : Better : Best)

Brittle Naiad
(Ceratophyllum demersum)

Brittle naiad is often found growing in clumps. The long pointed leaves have distinct spines and are oppositely arranged on the stem. The entire plant is brittle and breaks easily.

Treatable with: Sonar, Aquathol K, Hydrothol 191, Nautique
(Good : Better : Best)

Southern Naiad
(Najas guadalupensis)

Southern naiad is very leafy. The leaves are wider at the base and are arranged oppositely or in whorls of three on the plant stem. This plant is also identified by the presence of a tiny seed in the axis of the leaf.

Treatable with: Sonar, Aquathol K, Hydrothol 191, Reward, Nautique
(Good : Better : Best)

Azolla Fern
(Azolla caroliniana)

Azolla fern forms a dense mat on the water surface. Each plant dangles thread like roots into the water. Under certain conditions, azolla fern turns a reddish-brown color. This is particularly associated with over-fertilization and excess sunlight. The plant is extremely invasive having the ability to double its concentration in 7 days.

Treatable with:

Floating Heart
(Nymphoides peltata)

Floating heart produces many extensive blooms that stand 1-3 inches above the surface of the pond. The foliage is slightly variegated resembling a typical but small water lily leaf. It has the ability to spread throughout the pond via its extensive root system.

Treatable with: Sonar, Aquathol K, Hydrothol 191, Aqua-Pro
(Good : Better : Best)

Water Lily
(Nymphaea spp.)

Water lilies are often intentionally planted for fish habitat or aesthetic reasons. Within a short period of time, water lilies will creep along the pond bottom in every direction. Each stem produces a round leaf 6-12 inches in diameter. Leaves are usually green with reddish-purple undersides.

Treatable with: Sonar, Aqua-Pro
(Good : Better : Best)

Creeping Water Primrose
(Ludwigia peploides)

Found in shallow water or moist soils, creeping water primrose has a red hollow sttem with numerous green and red leaves. A bright yellow flower will often distinguish it from similar weeds.

Treatable with: Aqua-Pro
(Good : Better : Best)

Lotus
(Nelumbo spp.)

The lotus plant produces vibrant blooms and waxy-green foliage that cups upward 4-6 feet above the surface of the pond. Lotus seeds have been known to germinate after 100 years of dry storage.

Treatable with: Aqua-Pro
(Good : Better : Best)

American Pondweed
(Potamogeton americanus)

American pondweed has floating, sword shaped leaves. This plant can be easily identified in ponds where its floating leaves form a mat on the surface. It is best controlled in the early stage of development before the formation of a nutlet.

Treatable with: Sonar, Aquathol K, Reward
(Good : Better : Best)

Foxtail Rush
(Phragmites australis)

Foxtail rush is a very large grass reaching up to 16 feet tall. The large silvery beige, silky plum is produced in the summer and often found draping to one side.

Treatable with:

Common Cattail
(Typha latifolia)

Cattails inhabit wet lowland areas and pond perimeters with the ability to grow in as much as four feet of water. The long, slender, grass like stalks can reach 10 feet in height with mature plants producing a catkin in mid-summer.

Treatable with: Aqua-Pro
(Good : Better : Best)

Purple Loosestrife
(Lythrum salicaria)

Bright purplish flowers are terminally located on a 4-sided stem. Leaves are usually found in pairs and are arranged oppositely on the stem. It is best to control this invasive species before it sets seed. Plants may reach 6-7 feet in height. (Purple loosestrife photo courtesy of Dr. Bernd Blossey - Cornell University)

Treatable with: Renovate, Aqua-Pro
(Good : Better : Best)