Pond Boss Forums AQUATIC VEGETATION Identifying plants What is it and how do i stop it....

Its growing out of control, please advise

I got something similar in my pond. If that's the same plant then you may try to remove it by yourself.
Probably the best way is using a heavy metal chain and one helping guy. Each of you should walk in the opposite bank and the chain between both of you takes all plants with it.

I hope you understand what I said. Sweet beer...

Did you know you have a small person living in your pond? He's looking back at you in pic #2.

The last time I tried to identify a plant, I was completely off base. To me, if the plant was growing on shore, I'd think it was Smartweed. But, I was so far off base the last time I'm going to sit back and see what the experts have to say.

I say smartweed. 2,4,D, glyphosate, or leather gloves.I'd say it started growing and the water level raised.Had that at one of my ponds last year. Having the roots under water will not kill it. It will live till fall.

Looks like a smartweed variety. Touchdown Pro works well and other glyphosates.

I think you have alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides) - an exotic plant specie. The leaf arrangement along the stem will confirm one way or the other (opposing or alternate). If so, you'd better get on it quick with a herbicide - or secure some alligator flea beetles in a hurry.

+1 on Smartweed

A profile photo of the plant in question should provide a verdict in this debate.

Gator Weed >

Smartweed (below) has alternating leaf arrangements, and the stems of smartweed have swollen nodes where the leaves attach to the stem that are surrounded by a tubular sheath.


Edit: Dooh! I wrote one thing, but meant the other

The leaves on the gatorweed appear to be more rounded than the smartweed. The leaves in the pics from the OP appear to be sharper/ pointier than the gator weed specimen.

James - possibly so, but geography (LA) and the comment regarding rapid growth-rate factored into my opinion.
We'll know soon enough, since the blooms are unmistakable.

Very true, I was wondering about the blooms myself. Hopefully the OP will send another photo at a later date. The blooms on the gatorweed resemble a white clover blossom. Intersting for sure. I have learned something though I dont know to have ever seen gator weed. We aint got gators where I'm from! Shoot I've never seen a gator in the wild either!

Alligator weed always has an Opposite Leaf pattern, never Alternate

True dat!!! Gatorweed leaves are arranged "OPPOSITE" while smartweed leaves are alternating - as was illustrated in my weed-ID module, if you recall.
A brain-blunder on my part. Thanks for catching it.

Stickin' with smartweed

@James & Wade: I opened the photos again and found that clicking on the images expands their size considerably - and was finally able to see the alternating leaves and the lobes on the stems.
In short, I'll concede to the smartweed assessment.
Good eye for the details - but the two plant species do resemble each other IMO.

I recently discovered the enlargability myself. No shame Kelly.Heck I was right for a change! Now tomorrow comes......If you look at many of my posts...you will see "edited".

TOUCHDOWN PRO, RODEO, REWARD, OR WHITECAP....WHICH IS BEST

2,4,D works well to kill smartweed. Not sure about the Government regulations near water.(covering my patootie)Plus, you can use it to spray dandelions in the yard with the leftovers.Usually about $20-30 a gallon at the farm store.

i decided to go the old fashon route and pulled it out by hand, it cam out pretty easy.