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Curly Leaf Pondweed |
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Curly Leaf Pondweed Turions |
Aquatic
Invasive Species: Curly Leaf Pondweed
By Jason
Tutkowski, Water Intern
North Lakeland Discovery Center
The North Lakeland Discovery Center
and dedicated volunteers are traversing waters in the Town of Winchester in
search of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
Curly leaf pondweed is one of the most immediate AIS threats – we do not
want this plant taking root in the lakes in Winchester. Curly leaf pondweed has many defining
features. Its leaves look like thin
lasagna noodles which are crisp to the touch and have serrated margins. Those spiky edges are a key feature which
differentiates it from clasping leaf pondweed, its native lookalike. So, why exactly is it a problem? It is one of the first aquatic plants to grow
in the spring and spreads rapidly through turions (reproductive structures) so
it out-competes native plants. It can
also grow horizontally along the surface of the water which blocks light for
other aquatic species and makes boating and fishing more difficult. Then when it dies in mid-summer the
decomposing plants can sap dissolved oxygen from the water and also can increase
phosphorus in the water causing algal blooms.
Even though it is currently past its peak growth, curly leaf is still
present in the water. Look for it
growing in soft substrate and in shallow water about ten feet deep or
less. The main way you can prevent it
from spreading into lakes in the town of Winchester is to inspect, wash, and dry your boats, trailers, and recreational equipment
before moving between lakes and streams to make sure you are not transporting
any “hitchhikers.” If you suspect you have
potentially found this plant or any other invasive species, please contact the
North Lakeland Discovery Center at ais@discoverycenter.net with the location where
you found it and a photo or sample, if possible.
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