Chara - Chara spp., Muskgrass, Skunkweed, Muskwort, Stinkweed, Stonewort

Commonly mistaken for a submerged flowering plant, chara is actually a multi-cellular algae. It is well-known as muskgrass because of its distinct garlic-like odor. Chara's unique odor is one of the primary means of identification. In most water-bodies, chara also builds up a layer of calcium which makes it "crunchy" to the touch. Chara may be a beneficial species to have because of its ability to stabilize sediments on the bottom of ponds and lakes. It also provides valuable food for fish and wildlife. In more fertile environments, it may reach high densities.

Algae Defense® (algaecide)

Cutrine® Plus(algaecide)

Cutrine® Plus Granular(algaecide)

Nitella - Nitella spp., Brittlewort.

Like chara, nitella is actually a multi-cellular algae and not a submerged flowering plant. The features that distinguish nitella from chara are the difference in smell and feel. Nitella is much softer to the touch, and does not have the distinct garlic-like odor. It also has longer, bushier branches than chara. Generally, nitella is found in deeper water than chara, but benefits a water-body in similar ways. Nitella is not a valuable food source for fish or wildlife.

Algae Defense® (algaecide)

Cutrine® Plus(algaecide)

Cutrine® Plus Granular(algaecide)

Filamentous Algae - Examples: Spirogyra, Anabaena, Oscillatoria, Lyngbya, Pithophora spp., etc.

Filamentous algae consist of algae cells that link together to form long chains, often visible to the naked eye. They can clump together and have a wool-like to a slimy feel out of water. They form mats that often cover rocks and logs on the bottom of lakes and ponds. As these algae mats photosynthesize and grow, the gas bubbles they produce get trapped in the filaments, causing the mats to float to the surface. Once at the surface, their growth accelerates. In a matter of days, filamentous algae mats can cover the entire surface of a pond.

Algae Defense® (algaecide)

Cutrine® Plus(algaecide)

Cutrine® Plus Granular(algaecide)

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Planktonic Algae - Examples: Chlamydomonas, Closterium, Euglena, Anacystis spp., etc.

Planktonic algae are single-celled, free-floating organisms that inhabit the littoral and limnetic zones (area that receives sunlight) of a water-body. Algae blooms can be detected by the change in water color (like pea soup), and are comprised of many different types of algae species. The species composition of planktonic algae changes throughout the year depending on water temperature and light availability. Planktonic algae are valuable to aquatic life as they make up the base of the food chain.

Algae Defense® (algaecide)

Cutrine® Plus(algaecide)

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

Colonial Algae - Examples: Scenedesmus, Volvox, Synura, Pediastrum spp., etc.

Green and blue-green algae are included in this category. Colonial algae consist of a few to many single algae cells connected to form one multicellular body. Some colonial blue-green algaes form mucilaginous coatings that make them tolerant to many algaecide treatments. Some colonial algae grow large enough to be visible with the naked eye.

Algae Defense® (algaecide)

Cutrine® Plus(algaecide)

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

Blue-green Algae - Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria can be filamentous, planktonic, or colonial. A major concern with blue-greens is their ability to produce toxins that can be harmful to humans and other organisms. Many times the planktonic blue-greens turn water a very bright green color, that can look almost like paint. The filamentous species of blue-greens can form large mats on the surface of the water, which can look green, blue-green, or even brown in color. Some blue-greens form mucilaginous coatings that can make them tolerant to treatments.

Algae Defense® (algaecide)

Cutrine® Plus(algaecide)

GreenClean® (contact)

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Common Duckweed - Lemna minor, small duckweed

Common duckweed is a small free-floating plant that can cover the entire surface of a water-body. Duckweed prefers water that receives little to no wave action or surface movement. It is commonly found growing with watermeal, another small free-floating plant. Duckweed can easily block out sunlight to submerged plants if left untreated, which can cause oxygen depletions and lead to possible fish kills. Duckweed is a valuable source of food for many waterfowl, and they can transfer duckweed from one water-body to another.

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Watermeal - Wolffia spp

Watermeal is the smallest seed-bearing plant in the world. It can quickly cover the surface of water-bodies undisturbed by wave action or water movement. Unlike duckweed, watermeal does not have roots. Watermeal is very difficult to control by physical means because of its small size. It is also easily spread by waterfowl because it sticks to their body as they go from one water-body to the next.

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Water Hyacinth - Eichhoria crassipes

An exotic plant that clogs waterways throughout the Southeastern U.S. and California. Its broad, lance-shaped leaves extend from an inflated stalk. The flowers range in color from blue to violet to white. Water hyacinth exists in both rooted and free-floating forms. The free-floating plant fragments allow the plant to readily disperse. Its seeds may remain viable for years after chemical control.

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

ShoreKlear™ (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ Plus (systemic)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Salvinia - Salvinia spp., Common Salvinia, Water Fern, Giant Salvinia

Salvinias are an exotic species to North America that can create problems for undisturbed water-bodies. Common Salvinia are not flowering plants, but actually ferns that spread by spores and fragmentation. It is about an inch in size and contains a pair of round, small (< 1 inch) leaves above the surface. Common Salvinia contains many small, stiff hairs on the top of the leaves. The underwater leaves are modified, and appear more like roots than leaves. Giant Salvinia is slightly larger than common salvinia, but similar in appearance. These plants can cover an entire water-body, shading out other plants, causing oxygen depletions and possible fish kills.

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Water Lettuce - Pistia stratiotes

Water lettuce is considered an exotic in the United States, except for possibly Florida where it was documented in the 1700’s. Either way, water lettuce can become quite a nuisance by becoming so abundant that it forms mats that cover entire water-bodies and clog drainages. It is distinguished by its light-green, thick, hairy leaves that can be up to six inches wide. The leaves also contain veins that extend their entire length. If left untreated, water lettuce can shade out other aquatic vegetation, cause oxygen depletions and even fish-kills.

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

ShoreKlear™ (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ Plus (systemic)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Water Lily - Nymphaea spp., Fragrant Water Lily, White/Yellow Water Lily, Mexican Water Lily

Many water lilies are native to North America. They have nearly circular leaves with a notch in the leaf that extends all the way into the center. The notch has nearly pointed edges Their flowers bloom in the spring and summer, and range in color from a white flower with a yellow center (white water lily), to yellow flowers (yellow water lily), to hybrid lilies that can have many different colored flowers. Water lilies can either spread from seed, or through their massive rhizomes. They can be confused with spatterdock, which has a more elongated leaf with rounded edges, and a smaller flower than water lilies. When water lilies become very abundant, they can hinder boating and other water activities. They can also shade out submergent plants. All kinds of wildlife consume water lilies, and many fish use its leaves as cover from above.

Navigate® (systemic)

Navitrol® (systemic)

Renovate® OTF (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ Plus (systemic)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Watershield - Brasenia schreberi, Dollar Bonnet, Water Target

The leaf of watershield is distinguished from water lilies by the lack of a notch. The stem of the plant is directly connected to the middle of the leaf. It has an elliptical leaf that can reach about five inches in length. The top of the leaf is green in color, where the bottom of the leaf has a dark reddish color. Watershield produces a reddish-purple flower. The stem and underside of the leaf are covered in a unique jelly-like “slime.” This plant can form large populations under the right conditions, which can hinder navigation. Watershield provide food for certain wildlife as well as provide cover for fish.

Navigate® (systemic)

Navitrol® (systemic)

Renovate® OTF (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ Plus (systemic)

Water Pennywort - Hydrocotyle spp.

These native emergent plants grow up to ten inches in height. Their stems are centrally connected to round, semi-lobed leaves. They grow in shallow water and mud-flats, but occasionally form floating mats, or break away from land and form floating islands. They have white to white-green flowers that are on separate stalks than the leaves. These are common throughout the United States, and seldom occur in nuisance numbers. Water pennywort is not a significant source of food for wildlife.

Cutrine® Plus (mixture)

Navitrol® (systemic)

Renovate® OTF (systemic)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Spatterdock - HNuphar luteum, Cow Lily, Yellow Pond Lily

The heart-shaped leaf of spatterdock, and its small, spherical, yellow flower set it apart from the water lilies. It can grow floating on the surface of the water as well as extend above the surface. Leaves range from 8 to 16 inches long and are dark green in color. It spreads from seed as well as from its massive rhizomes. Spatterdock is a food source for many types of wildlife (especially their flowers) as well as habitat for fish. Dense growth of this plant can sometimes impede navigation.

Navigate® (systemic)

Navitrol® (systemic)

Renovate® OTF (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ Plus (systemic)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Eurasian Watermilfoil - Myriophyllum spicatum, EWM

An invasive exotic plant that is rapidly becoming a major nuisance plant throughout North America. It reaches extreme densities that impair navigation and recreational uses, displace native plant communities, and harm fisheries. Feather-like leaves grow on long spaghetti-like stems. The leaves are in whorls of four, with each leaf having 14-20 leaflet pairs. When actively growing, the plant can have reddish tips.

Navigate® (systemic)

Navitrol® (systemic)

Renovate® OTF (systemic)

Sonar™ AS* (systemic)

Sonar™ Q* (systemic)

Whitecap™* (systemic)

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Pondweed Family - Potamogeton spp.

The most diverse assemblage of native aquatic plants in North America. The pondweeds are monocots with many different leaf shapes. In general, they have oval-shaped or ribbon-like leaves that are alternately arranged along the stem. Pondweeds are ecologically important plants. Their structural diversity provides abundant habitat for fish and invertebrates. Seeds and nutlets provide food for waterfowl and wildlife.

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Sonar™ Q (systemic)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Curly-leaf pondweed - Potamogeton crispus, CLP

An invasive exotic plant that is now found throughout the United States in fresh and brackish water. This plant begins growing early in the season, giving it a competitive advantage over native species. It reaches high densities then dies off in mid-summer as water temperatures warm. This mid-season die off can contribute to poor water quality. Curly-leaf pondweed has long, narrow leaves that have a serrated leaf margin and a crenellated texture. CLP forms structures called turions (over-wintering bud) that can survive treatments and remain viable for about three years.

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Sonar™ Q (systemic)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Sago Pondweed - Stuckenia pectinata

Sago pondweed has thin, thread-like leaves that are alternately arranged on the stems. The leaf arrangment often looks like a fan, and the plant appears bushy underwater. Sago pondweed has small brown seeds that look like beads on a string. It Forms dense growths in nutrient rich waters, and can hinder navigation by wrapping up boat propellers. Sago pondweed "nuts" and tubers are a valuable food source for waterfowl and other wildlife.

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Sonar™ Q (systemic)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Water Celery - Vallisneria americana, Wild Celery, Eelgrass, Tapegrass

Water celery is a native perennial that is found in many water-bodies East of the Rocky Mountains. It grows from connected rhizomes that can make up a large horizontal root system. It has long ribbon-like leaves that contain a distinctive vein pattern that resembles celery. Water celery provides abundant food for waterfowl and other wildlife, as well as habitat for fish. Because of the vast root system, this plant can form dense colonies and exclude other vegetation.

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

Fanwort - Cabomba caroliniana, Cabomba

Fanwort is a perennial plant that can exhibit two types of leaves. The submersed leaves are oppositely arranged on the stem, and are fan-shaped. The floating leaves, if present, are undivided, and the stem attaches to the middle of the leaf. Fanwort is present in much of the Southeastern U.S., and because of its competitive nature can crowd out other plants.

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Sonar™ Q (systemic)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Parrotfeather - Myriophyllum aquaticum

Parrotfeather is a non-native perennial that is found throughout the Southern U.S. The submersed part of the plant is very similar in appearance to Eurasian watermilfoil, with the difference being that parrotfeather can have more then four leaves per whorl, whereas EWM always has four. The emersed leaves are stiffer and darker than the submersed leaves, and can extend up to a foot above the water surface. Like EWM, parrotfeather can displace native plant communities and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.

Navigate® (systemic)

Navitrol® (systemic)

Renovate® OTF (systemic)

Sonar™ AS* (systemic)

Sonar™ Q* (systemic)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Naiads - Najas spp. Examples: southern naiad, northern naiad, slender naiad, water nymph, bushy pondweed

Naiads can either be native or non-native annuals depending on species and location. Their leaves are generally around an inch in length and contain tiny spines along the edges. Leaves are more densely arranged near the tips of their highly branched stems. Because of their leaf and stem growth pattern, they can form dense mats that can become a nuisance on lakes and ponds. Naiads are considered a primary food source for many species of waterfowl.

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Sonar™ Q (systemic)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Hydrilla - Hydrilla verticillata

An exotic plant that reaches extreme densities. It displaces native plants and causes stagnation and oxygen depletion. Hydrilla has been most prevalent in the southern U.S. where it has caused considerable environmental and economic damage. In recent years it has been spreading northward. Hydrilla has small, oval-shaped leaves that grow in whorls of three or more on long, branching stems. The leaves have toothed margins and pointed spines on the underside of the leaf along its mid-rib, which make them rough to the touch.

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Sonar™ Q (systemic)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Coontail - Ceratophyllum demersum

A dark-green submersed plant that produces whorls of finely divided leaves around a long stem. Individual leaflets are forked - a characteristic that distinguishes coontail from the milfoils. Coontail can be either rooted or free-floating. It can reach high densities in more fertile environments. Free-floating masses of the plant can drift around lakes causing a considerable nuisance.

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Sonar™ Q (systemic)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Elodea - Elodea canadensis, Common waterweed

Common waterweed is a native opportunistic plant that can reach high densities. It is common throughout the northern half of the U.S. Elodea has small, oval-shaped leaves in whorls of three around the stem. In fertile water-bodies, elodea can form dense growths that can exclude other vegetation. Elodea provides food for waterfowl and other types of wildlife such as beaver and muskrat. It can be confused with the exotic look-a-likes, brazilian elodea and hydrilla.

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Sonar™ Q (systemic)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Brazilian Elodea - Egeria densa

The non-native Brazilian elodea is easily confused with the native elodea and the non-native hydrilla. Brazilian elodea is characterized by its larger, robust size compared to both the native elodea and hydrilla. It contains large, smooth leaves in whorls of three to six, where native elodea has small, smooth leaves in whorls of three, and hydrilla has serrated leaves in whorls of three to eight. This plant grows in much of Southeastern U.S., and forms dense mats on the water's surface that can smother native plants and wildlife.

Aquashade® (dye)

Hydrothol® 191 (contact)

PondWeed Defense® (contact)

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

Sonar™ Q (systemic)

Sonar™ AS (systemic)

Whitecap™ (systemic)

Purple Loosestrife - Lythrum salicaria

Purple loosestrife is an introduced exotic plant that is spreading throughout wetlands in the northern U.S. The plant has an attractive purple flower that grows on a long spike. The stem is rigid, four-sided, and has fine hairs. Lance-shaped leaves are arranged alternately on the stem. Purple loosestrife is damaging to wetland habitats. If left untreated, it can form monotypic stands, which have little value for wildlife, in areas where diverse native plant communities existed.

ShoreKlear™ (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ Plus (systemic)

Cattails - Typha spp.

Cattails are marsh plants that are found world-wide. Long, sword-like leaves that may reach a height of ten feet, and cigar-shaped flower heads characterize this plant. Cattails are very important for wildlife. They can grow in moist soils as well as in waters up to four feet deep. They also form bogs that spread out over open water. The growth characteristics of cattails make them a problematic species for many pond owners as they can exclude other vegetation and cover large areas.

RedWing™ (contact)

Reward® (contact)

ShoreKlear™ (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ Plus (systemic)

Weedtrine® D (contact)

Reed Canarygrass - Phalaris arundinacea

Reed canarygrass is a non-native perennial grass that can reach heights up to six feet. The long leaves are flat and hairless, and the sturdy stem can be up to a half-inch in diameter. The flowers are on the stem above the leaves, and are pinkish in color at full bloom. Reed canary grass can outcompete native wetland plants and form dense, monotypic stands that have little value to wildlife.

ShoreKlear™ (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ Plus (systemic)

Water Primrose - Ludwigia spp.

Water primrose is a perennial herb that is found around the edges of water-bodies. It has bright yellow flowers, usually with five petals. Its willow-like leaves are slightly hairy and alternately arranged. It can form long runner roots that can float on the surface of the water. If left untreated, it can form a dense, tangled mat of vegetation. Its yellow flower distinguishes it from water smartweed.

Navitrol® (systemic)

Renovate® OTF (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ Plus (systemic)

Common Reed - Phragmites australis, Phragmites, Giant Reed

Phragmites is a perennial grass that can grow up to 12 feet tall. It has have long, flat leaves that are up to 24 inches in length, and a large, silky seed head at the end of the stem. It can spread from seed, or by its creeping rhizomes. Because of phragmites aggressive nature, it can form dense monotypic stands that eliminate native plants. These stands do not offer many benefits to wildlife.

ShoreKlear™ (systemic)

ShoreKlear™ Plus (systemic)