Small Leaf Pondweed

Submerged weeds in ponds are very diverse in appearance and in management protocols.  This is another common pondweed we will be presenting in the Submerged Pond Weeds Series.

Small leaf pondweed is sometimes called leafy pondweed or small pondweed.  It is in the common pondweed family (Potamogeton), can grow quickly and comes on early in the season.  It can become quite prolific and can mix with other weeds and algae (especially chara).  It is quite a nuisance as it clogs up boat propellers and tangles fishing lures.

Small leaf pondweed has a very distinct leaf structure and shape.  It has an alternate leaf structure and has a short flat leaf.  The individual leaf is short (2-7cm long) and flat (.5-2mm wide), but when in the water, the plant looks stringy and grass like.

Small leaf pondweed is controlled effectively with Tsunami DQ, a diquat dibromide product that burns the weed back to the root.  One must use one gallon of Tsunami DQ per acre to achieve control.  One application is usually sufficient to gain control; however, it could take up to three to eliminate it.

Applications of Crystal Blue or Black Out should be used early in the season and maintained throughout the season to ensure you pond stays as healthy as possible.

As with most pondweeds, one should be prepared to treat an algae bloom about a week or two after application, as the disintegrating weed vegetation releases a lot of nutrients into the pond.

For more information on treating your pond weeds contact the helpful staff at Sanco.