In late June, curly-leaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus), one of Montana’s Priority 1 noxious weeds, was found near Bozeman in several ponds along the East Gallatin River drainage system. Priority 1 noxious weeds have limited presence in the state, and require eradication or containment where they are present, with prevention encouraged in areas not yet infested.
Melissa Graves, Plant Identification Diagnostician from Montana State University’s Schutter Diagnostic Lab, gave a full description of the invasive aquatic plant that occurs in ponds, lakes, and slower moving streams or rivers.
“Curly-leaf pondweed prefers shallow water depths with a silty, high-nutrient bottom. It is distinguished from native pondweed species by its growth habit and distinctive leaf edges. Unlike native pondweeds, it actively grows in winter, with new plants emerging in spring. The leaves have wavy edges resembling lasagna noodles. They are about one to three inches long, narrow, reddish in color, and translucent, with flattened stems visible through the leaves.”
Read the complete article from MSU News Service here.
Visit the MWCA curly leaf pondweed identification page.