Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Identifying plants Plant ID

We just finished expanding and deepening our pond and now I'm working on restoring the banks with native grasses, sedges, rushes, wildflowers...etc.

This plant grows over the entire bottom of the pond. I was always curious to know the exact species of plant. I don't necessarily consider it a nuisance. It stays low growing, uproots easy if fishing lures get snagged. The fish love to hide in it...etc.

Here's a link to the album. There are 3 photos

Album

-Matt

Chara?

http://aquaplant.tamu.edu/database/algae/muskgrass.htm

Looks like chara to me as well...

I think you are right.

It sounds like Chara a good one to have. I like that it is low growing and pulls out easy, yet it provides valuable cover for small fish and invertebrates. I also read that it is valuable duck food. So that's interesting.

Anybody else want to confirm?

Thanks,

-Matt

I concur, Chara. Duck food? What ducks are supposed to eat it, coots? I've seen it growing in 2' deep water, and it is just shy of the surface. FWIW, if you want to control it, it's best to start when it's <6" tall in the spring, and most algacides will treat it. It's not a true plant, is a form of algae.

http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/plantid2/descriptions/cha.html

states:
"Importance of plant: An important food source for waterfowl, particularly ducks. Provides valuable protection for young fish and invertebrates. Muskgrasses grow quickly and occasionally cover the entire bottom of ponds, however its low growth rarely causes it to be considered a nuisance in Washington."

Looks like the chara from my pond, but mine is a bit darker. As has been stated already, it's really not all that bad of a plant, though I've got a lot in my small pond, probably because it's so shallow, and would like to eliminate some. I, too, have noticed lots of small fish hanging out in it.