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.
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VideosIdentifying Aquatic Plants
Length 6:01This video will look at the four categories of pond plants, and some of the most common aquatic plants that are found in Pennsylvania. -
VideosFive 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. -
WebinarsFree
Get to Know Aquatic Invasive Species
When Watch NowRecorded Jul 29, 2022Learn about aquatic invasive species, methods to mitigate the spread of aquatic invasive species, and more! -
ArticlesPond Measurements: Area, Volume and Residence Time
An explanation of basic pond measurements that are vital to basic pond management practices. -
ArticlesWinterkill in Ponds
In the winter water gets much colder and ice may cover the top of the pond for an extended period of time. How does this affect the animals living in the pond? -
ArticlesPond 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. -
ArticlesDuckweed and Watermeal
Duckweed and watermeal are free-floating aquatic plants that are commonly encountered in Pennsylvania. They are commonly found in nutrient-rich ponds with stagnant or little flow. -
ArticlesUsing Grass Carp to Control Aquatic Plants
This information explains how to use grass carp for biological aquatic vegetation control. -
ArticlesAquatic/Wetland Noxious Weed List
The links below provide a listing of aquatic or wetland plants considered to be noxious weeds by the federal government or Pennsylvania. -
ArticlesFocus 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. -
ArticlesMosquito Fern in Pennsylvania Ponds
Mosquito fern is a Pennsylvania native waterfern that can be a nuisance in your pond. -
ArticlesCurly-Leaf Pondweed
One of more than 20 pondweed species (Potamogetons) that occur in Pennsylvania, this invasive plant from Europe frequently grows to nuisance levels in ponds. -
ArticlesCoontail
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. -
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ArticlesEurasian Water Milfoil
Eurasian Milfoil is an invasive, nonnative, plant with long stems, often reaching to the surface, with feather like leaves in whorls of 4 or 5 around the stem. -
ArticlesElodea (Common Waterweed)
Elodea is one of the few pond plants that can remain green all winter long. -
ArticlesPlanktonic Algae
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. -
ArticlesFilamentous Algae
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. -
ArticlesChara and Nitella
Nitella and Chara look like rooted, aquatic plants, but both are actually a form of algae. -
ArticlesManagement of Fish Ponds in Pennsylvania
General information on all aspects of pond construction and maintenance for building a new pond or taking care of an existing pond used for swimming, irrigation, fishing, or other activities. -
NewsManaging Your Farm Pond to Get Maximum Benefit
Date Posted 5/18/2022Farm ponds can provide many benefits to farm families. Penn State Extension has many resources to assist you in managing your pond to get the most value from this asset. -
NewsEarly Detection of Aquatic Invasives Is Key
Date Posted 10/5/2021There are some aquatic invasives to be on the lookout for, and tools to help in their identification. -
WebinarsFree
Protecting Dogs and Animals from Harmful Algae Blooms
When Watch NowRecorded Jul 23, 2020Learn about harmful algae blooms and their possible toxins during this live webinar. -
ArticlesPenn State Extension Resources for Pond and Lake Owners
Penn State Extension has many written and video resources to help with the proper management of ponds and lakes. -
NewsSlow the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
Date Posted 4/9/2020As you paddle on a local lake or cast a rod in a nearby stream, remember to take appropriate precautions necessary to slow the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS).
