Tis the season for aquatic weeds to infest Texas ponds

This spring, like most, we have been inundated with aquatic weeds in East Texas. 

Texas waters grow hundreds of species of aquatic plants.  Many of these are desirable; however, undesirable aquatic plants can be a major problem for pond and lake owners because they are detrimental to pond management and fishing.  Correct identification is essential if control measures are to be successful. 

Plants are grouped according to their growth habits.  They are:        

1. Algae – Includes three types: microscopic plants (plankton) responsible for the green color in fertile water; filamentous algae; and branched algae that resemble flowering plants but do not flower or produce seeds.

2. Submersed plants other than algae – Includes plants growing mainly beneath the water surface.  Occasionally some leaves or other plant parts may float but normally only the seed heads extend above the surface.

 3. Floating plants – Includes those plants which grow and float freely on the surface and those plants rooted in the mud on the pond bottom, but with most leaves floating on the surface.

 4. Immersed plants – Includes all shoreline, marginal and shallow water plants which have leaves or parts extending above the water surface.

Next, we will try to describe the most common plants within each group.  Recommended control measures will be included.

 Algae – as mentioned there are 3 types and two of these cause problems.  Filamentous algae or pond scum is the most common problem that we hear about.  It usually begins growing near the bottom or edges of a pond and later floats to the surface.  At this time it resembles a mass of wet wool or bright green hay.  Another type is the branched algae.  Chara or Muskgrass is the most common of this type.  It has a musky (skunk-like) odor and a "crunchy" type feel. 

No part of it extends above the surface. 

The last type of algae is actually a benefit to ponds. This is the small single-celled plants or phytoplankton that provide the food and oxygen for fish.  

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