See All Aquatic Plants and Algae

This video provides an overview of aquatic plants.

This video will look at the four categories of pond plants, and some of the most common aquatic plants that are found in Pennsylvania.

There are a few biological methods that, when applied correctly, can be very effective and environmentally friendly to your pond.

Herbicides are often the first thing pond owners turn to when nuisance aquatic plants appear in their ponds.

While aquatic plants and algae may interfere with pond uses, they also serve vital roles in supporting the fish and animal life that make up the pond ecosystem.

Several Aquatic Invasive Species of particular concern in Pennsylvania are discussed, and their identifying characteristics reviewed.

Participants in this one-day pesticide update receive research-based information and recertification credits in hard-to-find categories.

In recent years, the use of barley straw has become more common as an alternative method for controlling excessive algae growth.

This is a summary of some common water quality parameters that may cause problems in ponds and how to detect and treat them.

A brief overview of the natural processes of an earthen pond and how to maintain a healthy pond.

When plants and algae grow abundantly, pond and lake owners often think about ways to eliminate the offending plant. Nutrient control is the long term solution.

Duckweed and watermeal are free-floating aquatic plants that are commonly encountered in Pennsylvania. They are usually found in nutrient-rich ponds with stagnant or little flow.

Coontail is a common aquatic plant in Pennsylvania ponds and lakes. It has whorls of stiff leaves that get more compact toward the end of the stem.

Nitella and Chara look like rooted, aquatic plants, but both are actually a form of algae.

Elodea is one of the few pond plants that can remain green all winter long.

One of more than 20 pondweed species (Potamogetons) that occur in Pennsylvania, this invasive plant from Europe frequently grows to nuisance levels in ponds.

One of the most common native, submerged pond plants in Pennsylvania.

Different species of filamentous algae exist, but all have a similar growth habit. These algae begin growth in the winter and early spring on the pond bottom.

Eurasian Milfoil is an invasive, nonnative plant with long stems, often reaching the surface, with feather-like leaves in whorls of 4 or 5 around the stem.

Planktonic algae floats in the water column and can sometimes be confused with muddy water. It causes the water to look green, brown, or reddish in color.

The links below provide a listing of aquatic or wetland plants considered to be noxious weeds by the federal government or Pennsylvania.

This information is intended to help select native aquatic plant alternatives and avoid invasive plant species. This guide is intended as a portable reference.

There are a variety of physical control strategies that can be employed. Physically harvesting aquatic plants can have a positive, long-lasting effect.

A water garden is fundamentally an outdoor aquarium. The gardener needs to manage the pH, nutrients, and organisms introduced into the system.

Late summer brings questions to Penn State Extension from pond owners about nuisance algae growth.