Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Controlling unwanted plants Identifying Aquatic Vegetation

Pat W. asked me to post the pics below for identification.

Thanks Charlie for posting these plants. It's the first plants in the pond and I would like to know what they are

Pat, I have a couple of patches of the same plant, but I haven't been able to properly identify it myself. I wouldn't rake it out or disturb it until a proper identification is found though. There's no way of knowing if it can spread through broken pieces, so I'd leave it alone.

I'll try to post some pics of mine today.

Thanks Al for the reply, hope a plant guy or gal comes along with answers

I am going to guess creeping water primrose.

http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/management-options/water-primrose/

Thanks Shorty- is that bad?

I have never had to deal with water primrose, it does spread but stays shallow.

Shorty, my primrose has a different leaf, but that was my first thought too. I was hoping for a flower of some kind, but none seen here yet. I still wouldn't be surprised if that's what it is.

If you google water primrose the shape of the leaf is sometimes round, sometimes pointed, it might be just how fresh or mature the growth is, a flower would definitely help nail the ID.

The stem is also green not that darker color

Pat,

Maybe I'm looking at these pics wrong but I see at least two species of plants. Is that correct?

Bill
They all the same plant

Just bumping this thread as I see Kelly Duffie is online and hope he sees it.

Thanks Bill

Pat,
I tend to agree with Shorty's call on this ID, although I'm actually not certain..
Primrose (Ludwigia spp), of which there are several species, generally have alternating leaves. Alligator weed; which is sometimes confused with primrose, has opposing leaves.
Your middle photo shows a portion of the submerged plant with opposing leaves, but it otherwise has characteristics of gator weed. A bloom would be most helpful!
Look at my embedded composite-photo and let me know if this plant has any resemblance to your plant (compare structural assembly and features rather than leaf-shapes). If so, please secure a better photo of your plant - say, a close-up of the last 6 to 8" of the stem with a coin included in the photo for size-reference.
I'd like to find out exactly what it is - for future reference.
KD

I'll remember that one Kelly, thanks.

Kelly Duffie for identification:

Seems to have opposing leaves

Check out the base of the leaf-stalk where it attaches to the stem. That little tell-tale nub next to the leaf-stalk is a clue - that points to Hygrophila. The opposing leaves further indicate Hygrophila; which is easily confused with some primrose species.
I'd suggest doing a web-search for Hygrophila polysperma and see if its descriptive characteristics match up to your plant.
If it is Hygrophila (which I rarely encounter in TX - so far), I would caution any inclinations to ignore its presence since it is an exotic species (a member of the Federal Noxious Weed List), and potentially invasive in suitable habitats.
Has anyone "dumped" any aquarium plants in your pond to your knowledge?

Kelly I was afraid that it might be that. A neighbors pond two downstream has that stuff also.. What should I do now?

There are several species of Hygrophila, some of which are native to the US. East India Hygrophila is the exotic species of greatest concern.
How extensive is its current population?
(Signing off for today. Tomorrow is a long day)

Strong work Kelly, that was a tough one.

hygrophila

Ugh now got to figure out what to do with it

Kelly
The stems don't appear to be squarish at all from what I can see....

There are maybe a dozen areas or less about 3' or so

What is the treatment options?