Currently present in Montana!

Curly-leaf pondweed was accidentally first introduced to the United States in 1880s as an aquarium plant.

Potential Harms:

Curly-leaf pondweed grows in thick mats on the surface of waters.  These thick mats may inhibit recreation in the waterbody and also wipe out native plants.  Also, when the plant dies in mid-summer, it condenses on shorelines and also may lead to increasing phosphorous levels, creating algal blooms.  Pondweed may also produce a bad stench when it dies and collects on the shorelines.

Identification:

• Curly-leaf pondweed is identified by long, flat, crinkled leaves
• Most commonly found in ponds with hard water
• Curly-leaf pondweed does not require much sunlight to grow and can live in deep waters
• This plant usually comes up in early spring and dies during mid-summer

Prevention:

Plant fragments are often carried to new bodies of water on boats, trailers, and fishing gear.  To prevent the spread of curly-leaf pondweed, follow Inspect, Clean, and Dry techniques!

Links:

http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/guide/ANS/plants.html#curleypondweed

http://dnr.wi.gov/invasives/fact/curlyleaf_pondweed.htm