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curly pondweed
Scientific Name: Potamogeton crispus
Family: Potamogetonaceae
Category: Monocot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Curly-Leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)
Curly-leaf pondweed, scientifically known as Potamogeton crispus, is an aquatic plant recognized for its distinctive curly or wavy leaves.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant grows in aquatic environments and has rhizomes that may be exposed.
- Leaves have serrated margins that could be a concern depending on the animal.
- It produces winter buds, known as turions, which might be ingested.
Considerations for Children
- This plant grows in aquatic environments and has rhizomes that may be exposed.
- Leaves have serrated margins that could be a concern depending on the age of the child.
- It produces winter buds, known as turions, which might be ingested.
Quirky Facts
- The leaves of Curly Leaf Pondweed are sometimes said to resemble lasagna noodles.
- Curly-leaf pondweed is often one of the first plants to emerge in early summer, even growing under ice during late winter.
- This pondweed is easily identifiable because it is the only species of pondweed in North America with serrated leaves.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Potamogeton crispus L.
- Family: Potamogetonaceae (Pondweed family)
- Synonyms and Other Names: Curly, curly-leaved, crispy-leaved, crisped pondweed, curly-leaved pondweed, curly pondweed, crisp pondweed, curly muckweed.
Common Names
- Curly-leaf pondweed
- Curled pondweed
- Curly pondweed
- Curly cabbage
- Crisp pondweed
- Crisped pondweed
- Crispy pondweed
- Crispy-leaved pondweed
- Curled leaf pondweed
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Eurasia, Africa, and Australia.
- Now found in North America, where it was first observed in Minnesota around 1910.
- It grows in fresh non-tidal to slightly brackish tidal waters.
- Can grow off-shore in depths of up to 4.6 m (15 ft).
Ecological Role
- Classified as an invasive species in many regions, including the Great Lakes area and Illinois.
- It can form dense mats at the water surface, potentially hindering native plant growth and recreational activities.
- Known to grow to nuisance levels.
Morphological Characteristics
- Submersed aquatic perennial plant.
- Has elongate, slender rhizomes that are buff or reddish.
- Stems are flattened.
- Oblong leaves are distinctly serrated, wavy, and typically 2-3 inches long and approximately 1/2" wide.
- Leaves are reddish-green.
- Produces winter buds (turions).
- Leaves are only a few cells thick with thin membranes.
Reproduction
- Reproduces by seeds and dormant buds known as turions.
- Attached to the lake or pond bottom by rhizomes.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Can be confused with clasping leaf pondweed.
- The "crisped" leaves with finely serrated margins distinguish it from native Richardson's pondweed.
Further Information
- RHS (Royal Horticultural Society): Find help & information on Potamogeton crispus curled pondweed.
- Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health
- Midwest Invasive Species Information Network
- Invasive Plant Atlas of New England - University of Connecticut
- Global Invasive Species Database - Invasive Species Specialist Group
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Exotic Species Program
- Iowa Aquatic Invasive Species Fact Sheet