Aquatic Nuisance - Curly Pondweed
Curly Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)
Where did it come from?
Originates from Europe, Africa, and Australia.
Where can it be found in South Dakota?
Found in several water bodies across the state, including Sheridan Lake, Canyon Lake, Rapid Creek, Angostura Reservoir, Roy Lake, Lake Alice, Lake Mitchell and Lakes Oahe, Sharpe, and Lewis and Clark.
What does it look like?
- They have flat stems with some branching that are 1-3 inches long and about 1/8 inch in diameter. Long narrow leaves are attached to the stem, and it produces brown flowers between May and October.
Why is Curly Pondweed a problem?
- Can form dense mats at the water surface, shading out native vegetation and creating problems for boaters, especially in protected areas (marinas).
How is Curly Pondweed spread?
- Curly pondweed spreads by hardened buds (sometimes called turions) and by seeds.
Check out Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention on ways to prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species
Curlyleaf Pondweed links
USGS Fact Sheet on Curly Pondweed
Pictures of Curly Pondweed
South Dakota Curly Pondweed Distribution
Click here to report Curly Pondweed
SD AIS Species
A.I.S. Fish
Asian Carp
Common Carp
Western Mosquitofish
European Rudd
Snakehead
A.I.S. Invertebrates
Zebra & Quagga Mussels
Rusty Crayfish
Asian Clam
New Zealand Mudsnail
Red-rimmed Melania
A.I.S. Plants
Brittle Naiad
Didymo
Curlyleaf Pondweed
Flowering Rush
Eurasian Water Milfoil
Purple Loosestrife