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Aquatic weeds are plants that thrive in water or wetland environments, they are often overlooked, but when these plants become invasive, they can wreak havoc on both ecological balance and economic activities.
If left unchecked aquatic weeds represent a complex challenge in aquatic ecosystems. By understanding the characteristics and impacts of common aquatic weeds, we can better appreciate the importance of proactive management strategies.
Below are the aquatic weeds that are particularly common in the UK:
Canadian Pondweed (Elodea Canadensis) This plant is submerged and known for its ability to form dense mats, which can choke water bodies and disrupt native ecosystems, this plant has a grows rapidly.
Nuttall's Waterweed (Elodea Nuttallii) Long, slender, and branching stems that can grow to several meters in length. The stems are typically olive green or reddish-brown in colour.
New Zealand Pygmyweed (Crassula helmsii) This aquatic plant typically grows in dense, tangled mats on the surface of water bodies or in wetlands.
Broad-leaved pondweed (Potamogeton natans) It is a submerged perennial plant that is well-adapted to freshwater habitats, particularly slow-moving or still waters like ponds, lakes, and slow-flowing rivers.
Floating Pennywort (Hydrocotyle ranunculoides) It has creeping stems that can extend several meters across the water, forming dense floating mats. The stems are round and fleshy, with nodes that give rise to roots.
Hornwort (Ceratophyllum demersum) It is one of the most widespread and versatile aquatic plants, known for its ability to thrive in various water conditions
Curled pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) An aquatic plant species commonly found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, slow-moving rivers, and ditches. Curled pondweed gets its name from the distinct curling or wavy edges of its leaves, making it easier to identify.
Curly Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major) This is a free-floating, submerged perennial plant that is commonly found in ponds and lakes. This is an incredible invasive and hardy weed, due to the fragments it produces.
Spiked Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum Spicatum) As an invasive species, this plant can be easily identified as it tends to form dense underwater mats, which can outcompete and displace native aquatic plants.
Parrots Feather (Myriophyllum aquarium) A submersed aquatic plant with feathery, finely divided leaves that are arranged in whorls around the stem.
Mares Tail (Equisetum arvense) It consists of long, hollow, and jointed stems that resemble the tail of a horse, hence the name "horsetail."
These weeds can be tricky to identify, for further details on the appearance of these aquatic weeds take a look at our aquatic weed identification guide.
Does your waterbody contain one of the weeds above? Or maybe you are not sure what aquatic weed is taking over and need help identifying? Get in contact with us today for a free quotation and tailored solution.