Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Identifying plants Alligator grass/weed

I have no idea what the true name for this plant is. As long as I can remember we've always called it alligator grass. It's more of a vine than grass. The root system can take hold either in damp soil or below water and the vine itself floats on top, creating thick floating mats along the shoreline.

My wife had some wild iris gave to her and this stuff was growing in the same buckets. I pulled as much of it as I could before transplanting the iris at the waterline but apparently didn't get it all as I'm starting to see vines growing from around the bases of each plant as well as out in the water around the water willow.

I know if not managed, this stuff can grow around the entire perimeter of the pond, and I guess if left alone could possibly completely cover a pond. There's a pond close by that has it growing all the way around it, but it doesn't appear to be growing very fast.

I'm not opposed to letting it take off a little and let it provide some much needed shade and cover in some select areas. I'm sure others with southern ponds have had to deal with this plant and I'm wondering what your opinion is of it and how you manage it.

It sound's like what I call alligator weed. A handful of species I believe and I'm well acquainted with it. When we renovated our pond we removed truck loads of the stuff with a trackhoe but some came back into pond. Personally, I get rid or every sprig I see in or out of the water. The Emergent weed stuff from Aquavet is what I use to kill it. I allow the stuff to die and sit for some time before using a sturdy rake to dig out the roots and remove. Snakes and eels love to take up residence in the stuff.

I've been pulling it up when I see it. Don't want to use chemicals if I can avoid it as most of what I'm finding is mingled in with water willow. Gonna try to keep that. I usually hit the willow just above the waterline with the weedeater so it doesn't get tall. Makes for good cover for fry, YOY and minnows. Bout all they've got right now. I was thinking the alligator grass would provide some shade and cooler water.

Mike, you are so right about the importance of weed shelter for the little 'uns. This year I have a LOT more weeds, and a LOT more YOY success.

I may just let the alligator grass have one deep corner of the pond where there isn't any cover. Well away from the spawning area, but still close enough for newbies to migrate to. No bigger than my BOW is, and having full access to it, I think I can keep it under control.