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Curlyleaf Pondweed

Curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), a non-native plant, can thrive in areas with low water clarity. It emerges in early spring and blooms in June.

Curlyleaf pondweed

Description

Curlyleaf pondweed is a rhizomatous aquatic perennial with horizontal stems that run under or along the bottom. Horizontal stems send out roots from the lower side and branched shoots with leaves from their upper surface. Leaves are alternate along an erect, submersed, flattened stem. They are 1 to 4 inches long and ¼ to 1 inch wide, with conspicuous wavy edges that are finely toothed. The flowers are borne in whorls in spikes on short stalks that are 1 to 3 inches long. The plant forms hard, compact vegetative buds called turions along the stem.

Habitat

Curlyleaf pondweed is a non-native species introduced into North America from Europe in the mid-1800s. It has since become widespread throughout the northeastern, central and western United States. It occurs primarily in the central and eastern portions of the Tennessee Valley region and often grows with other submersed aquatic plants. Curlyleaf pondweed populations in ponds, reservoirs and lakes generally decline in midsummer. The fruit is eaten by waterfowl.

Identifying Features

What It Looks Like—Curlyleaf pondweed is easily identified by its wavy-edged alternate leaves.

Max Depth—8 feet

Where to Find It—Curlyleaf pondweed often grows in combination with milfoil and other submersed plants. Look in early spring through early summer anywhere submersed plants are growing.

Similar Species—The wavy leaf edges make curlyleaf pondweed unique and easily identifiable.

Drawbacks

Curlyleaf pondweed can impact water use in some areas, especially early in the spring, before most other plants begin to cause issues.

Contact Us

We're always looking for more information about aquatic plants on TVA reservoirs. Let us know where and what you see, and send us your photos. Email us.