Aquatic Plants and Algae
Information on pond management and aquatic plants, including identification, chemical or biological control of aquatic plants and harmful algae blooms. Tips on invasive species, such as European water chestnut, pondweeds, filamentous algae.
- News
What's That Green Stuff? How to Identify Harmful Algal Blooms
Date Posted 7/15/2026These cyanobacteria are common in Pennsylvania waters during the summer months. - Videos
What Plants Can Be Found in Pennsylvania Ponds?
Length 4:51Aquatic plants are a vital part of a pond ecosystem. There are dozens of aquatic plant and algae species that occur in Pennsylvania. Managing aquatic plants starts with accurate identification. - News
Good Stewardship Reduces the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species in Pennsylvania
Date Posted 6/15/2026Coordination with agencies and public education helps protect Pennsylvania waterways. - Videos
Pond Ecology and the Role of Aquatic Plants
Length 3:11This video provides an overview of aquatic plants. - Videos
Getting to Know Your Pond
Length 3:19Proper pond management practices should always start with an assessment and inspection of the current conditions in the pond. - Videos
Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs)
Length 6:10A harmful algae bloom (HAB) in your pond can endanger people and animals. This video describes HABs and discusses possible courses of action if you have one. - Videos
Five Tips for a Healthy Pond
Length 8:44Many earthen ponds have problems with algae, nuisance wildlife, or water quality. This video provides a few simple tips to help solve or prevent these common problems and ensure a healthy pond. - Videos
Biological Control of Aquatic Plants
Length 2:50There are a few biological methods that, when applied correctly, can be very effective and environmentally friendly to your pond. - Videos
Chemical Control of Aquatic Plants
Length 7:14Herbicides are often the first thing pond owners turn to when nuisance aquatic plants appear in their ponds. - Videos
Aquatic Invasive Species in Pennsylvania
Length 12:36Several Aquatic Invasive Species of particular concern in Pennsylvania are discussed, and their identifying characteristics reviewed. - Articles
Barley Straw for Algae Control
In recent years, the use of barley straw has become more common as an alternative method for controlling excessive algae growth. - Articles
Permit Requirement for Use of An Aquatic Herbicide in Ponds
If you use any aquatic herbicide on your pond to control algae or aquatic plants, you must first obtain a state permit. - Videos
Preventing Excessive Aquatic Plant and Algae Growth
Length 3:24When 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. - Articles
Harmful Algal Blooms: Safety, Testing, and Management Options
This article discusses what harmful algal blooms (HABs) are and summarizes quick identification tips, water testing, and bloom control methods. - Articles
Native Plant Selection for Backyard Aquatic Gardens
The installation of appropriate vegetation alongside consistent water quality and nutrient management are key to maintaining a sustainable aquatic garden. - Articles
Pond Agencies and Permits in Pennsylvania
Information on the role of various agencies and permits that may be required for construction or maintenance of earthen ponds. - Articles
Pond Measurements: Area, Volume and Residence Time
An explanation of basic pond measurements that are vital to pond management practices. - Articles
Winterkill in Ponds
In the winter, the water gets much colder, and ice may cover the top of the pond for an extended period. This can lead to what is called "winterkill." - Articles
Duckweed and Watermeal
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. - Articles
Mosquito Fern in Pennsylvania Ponds
Mosquito fern is a Pennsylvania native waterfern that can be a nuisance in your pond. - Articles
Coontail
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. - Articles
Using Grass Carp to Control Aquatic Plants
This information explains how to use grass carp for biological aquatic vegetation control. - Articles
Chara and Nitella
Nitella and Chara look like rooted, aquatic plants, but both are actually a form of algae. - Articles
Focus on Aquatic Invasive Species – European Water Chestnut
The European Water chestnut has nothing to do with the edible variety. It is a rooted aquatic plant that can dominate ponds, shallow lakes, and rivers. - Articles
Elodea (Common Waterweed)
Elodea is one of the few pond plants that can remain green all winter long.
