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Curly-leaf pondweed

Curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) is an exotic plant that forms surface mats that interfere with aquatic recreation. The plant usually drops to the lake bottom by early July. Curly-leaf pondweed was the most severe nuisance aquatic plant in the Midwest until Eurasian watermilfoil appeared. It was accidentally introduced along with the common carp. It has been here so long, most people are not aware it is an exotic.


 

Eurasian Watermilfoil

Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) was accidentally introduced to North America from Europe.
 
In nutrient-rich lakes it can form thick underwater stands of tangled stems and vast mats of vegetation at the water's surface. In shallow areas the plant can interfere with water recreation such as boating, fishing, and swimming. The plant's floating canopy can also crowd out important native water plants.
 
A key factor in the plant's success is its ability to reproduce through stem fragmentation and underground runners. A single segment of stem and leaves can take root and form a new colony. Fragments clinging to boats and trailers can spread the plant from lake to lake.


 

Flowering Rush

Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) is a perennial plant from Europe and Asia that was introduced in the Midwest as an ornamental plant. It grows in shallow areas of lakes as an emergent, and as a submersed form in water up to 10 feet deep. Its dense stand crowd out native species like bulrush. The emergent form has pink, umbellate-shaped flowers, and is three feet tall with triangular-shaped stems.


 

 

 




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