Pond Weed Identification: What to Know

Pond Weed Identification

All lake and pond weeds are not the same. Many provide shelter and food for fish and other wildlife. Some are native species, endemic to the region, that are vital to the pond or lake’s ecosystem. In North America, northern watermilfoil is native. Eurasian watermilfoil is a non-native.

Before you decide whether to remove lake or pond weeds, start by identifying those weeds. Study them carefully so you do not mistake them for native species.

Some algae and weeds float on the surface. Others are classified as submergent (mostly underwater) or emergent (most shoreline plants). Knowing these characteristics will help you properly identify the weeds in your lake or pond.

Local departments of natural resources, state land grant universities and extension services can be excellent resources for help with indentifying aquatic weeds. We asked Steve McComas (AKA The Lake Detective) of Blue Water Science in St. Paul, Minnesota to help us compile this list of 16 common aquatic weeds and algae and what you can do about them.

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