FISH AND POND MANUAL Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District - 29 Liberty Street, Suite 3 Batavia, NY 14020
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Genesee County
Soil and Water Conservation District
29 Liberty Street, Suite 3 Batavia, NY 14020
(585) 343-2362
FISH AND POND
MANUAL
Rev 2008
Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District
Staff Board of Directors
George Squires 6KHOOH\6WHLQ
District Manager Chairman/HJLVODWXUH
Bob Berkemeier 7HG.RQLHF]ND
Conservation Technician 9ice-Chair)DUP%XUHDX
Elizabeth Bentley-Huber *UHJJ7RUUH\
Conservation Technician-AEM Coordinator Legislature
JDUHG(OOLRWW 0DULURVH(WKLQJWRQ
Conservation 7HFKQLFLDQ $W/DUJH
MROO\6WHW] 'HQQLV3KHOSV
Conservation Technician *UDQJH
JoGL&KDPEHUODLQ
District Clerk/Treasurer
E-mail addresses:
first name.last name@ny.nacdnet.net
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Fish and Pond Program Page 2
Index
Index
Pond Checklist Page 4
Building a Pond in Genesee Co. Page 5
Recommended Stocking Rates Page 5
Spawning Areas Page 5
Pond Maintenance Tips Page 6
Pond Layout and Design Page 6
Habitat Enhancement Page 6
When Is a Pond Permit Required? Page 7
Preventing Oxygen Depletion Page 7
Water Temperature Is Important Page 7
Summer Fish Kills Page 8
Pond Weeds in Genesee County Pages 9-27
Fish and Water Terminology Page 28-29
Cold Water Ponds Page 30
Fish Facts Page 31
Crayfish-All Ponds Page 31
Fish Sold by Genesee County Soil &Water CD Page 32-40
Ways to Control Pond Weeds Page 41
Grass Carp Page 42
Barley Straw Page 43
Prevention of Algae Page 44
Swimmer’s Itch Page 45
Windmills Page 46
Zebra Mussel Page 47
Mosquitoes Page 48
Great Blue Heron Page 49
Application for a Permit for Grass Carp Page 50
Application for Farm Pond Fish License Page 51
References Pages 52-53
Notes Page Page 54
Fish and Pond Program Page 3
Pond Checklist
Pond Plan Checklist 6. Soil types, to-
pography, tax par-
Ponds, for a variety of cel boundaries,
uses, including water wetlands, and
supply, wildlife habitat, stream locations
and recreation are very may restrict pond
popular in our area. sites. Building a
Each year the Genesee pond in a wetland
County Soil and Water or within a 100-
Conservation District foot buffer zone
receives numerous calls requires a permit
from property owners from the New
interested in building a York State Depart-
pond. If you think a ment of Environ-
pond would enhance mental Conserva-
your landscape, here are some important facts that tion (NYS DEC). Genesee County SWCD may
you need to know. assist in preparing the permit application.
Pond Site Facts for Genesee County 7. Materials excavated from the pond that will be
used for a dike must be able to hold water in the
1. Local zoning regulations may require that your pond. Some soil types are not suitable for dike
pond be at least 100 feet from roadways and construction.
property boundaries.
8. SWCD fees to plan a pond are: $300 deposit,
2. Some towns require that the Genesee County refundable upon completion of pond according
Soil and Water Conservation District review a to guidelines set forth in the design and after no
pond site before construction. SWCD staff will more than two years. The first two hours of con-
conduct a pond site evaluation free of charge. sultation are free, after that there is a charge of
$25.00 per hour.
3. Parcels facing county or state highways require
approval by the Genesee County Planning Board 9. Fish habitat requires an eight to ten feet depth,
in addition to Town Planning Board approval. minimum. SWCD sells golden shiners, walleye,
The approval process can take from one to three bass, trout, fathead minnows, catfish, and grass
months, depending upon schedules for planning carp. Grass carp purchases require a permit from
board meetings. the NYS DEC. SWCD will assist you in prepar-
ing the permit application.
4. Residents can build their own ponds if applicable
town and county approval requirements are met. 10. All aquatic vegetation chemical controls require
permits from NYS DEC.
5. Test holes (at least six feet deep) must be dug at
the property owner’s expense. This process re- 11. If you would like more information about ponds,
quires a backhoe and is performed while SWCD call us at 343-2362 Monday-Friday between the
staff are conducting an on-site evaluation of hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
soils, bedrock, and water table conditions.
Fish and Pond Program Page 4
Build a Pond in Genesee County –George Squires, Dist. Manager
New property owners seeking to construct a pond, whether for recreational activities or for wildlife use, will find that each pond site
varies. Among the variations are size, cost, type, usage, and site construction conditions.
When planning to build a pond, the first contact to make is with your Town Zoning Officer. Five Towns in Genesee County
(Bethany, Darien, Elba, Pembroke, and Stafford) require the site be reviewed by the Soil and Water Conservation District prior to
construction or as a condition of being issued a permit by the Town. Most Towns (except Batavia, Bergen, Byron, and Darien) re-
quire a pond to be located on the property not less than 100 feet from any street or property line. In all instances, the landowner
should contact the local zoning enforcement officer to confirm the requirements and obtain any necessary zoning permits.
When a property owner requests our services to evaluate a site for pond or wildlife marsh construction, we will require a fee of
$30.00 per hour after two free hours per site visit. This will include an evaluation of the site in general, soil suitability, drainage,
topography, watershed, discussion of costs, sizes, structures, equipment needs, and values. This will include time necessary to re-
view soil test pits and a letter, if required by the local municipality, acknowledging the site is suitable for a pond. The letter will ver-
ify that pond construction according to plans will not cause damage to other property. We do not issue permits to build ponds.
If the property owner decides to construct a pond and wishes a design and construction supervision, we will require a $300.00 de-
posit. The deposit will be returned only when the pond has been constructed according to standards and specifications of the design
as interpreted by the district technician involved (includes seeding all disturbed soil areas. Property owners may be charged an addi-
tional fee for a building or special use permit by their local town municipality. Occasionally, we find the design for a pond or marsh
is beyond our authority. In those cases a property owner will be instructed to contact a licensed professional engineer to draw up
plans and specifications for construction.
Some pond sites may involve NYS Freshwater Wetlands. Our office can assist in determining the pond location relative to mapped
NYS freshwater wetlands, and advise you on wetlands permit application documents for a fee of $50. NYS DEC charges an addi-
tional fee for the permit.
Recommended Stocking for a New, Warm-Water Spawning Areas
Pond in Genesee County
Stocking Rates What do we recommend for stocking a Spawning Areas:
new fish pond? Factors including size, pond depth, loca-
tion, temperatures, weeds present or not present, structure Largemouth bass prefer weed beds, shallow mud or sand
and clarity all determine what kind and how many fish to areas of the pond. Walleye prefer shallow to midrange
stock. Below is an example of the maximum stocking rates depth on gravelly bed. Beds should be about sixty feet in
for ponds that are 1/2 acre, 1/3 acre, and 1 acre. You will diameter.
need proper aeration. We recommend approximately a 3 to
1 ratio of non-predator/predator fish. Size of fish shown Yellow Perch, Minnows, and Shiners prefer weed areas
below can be changed, if desired. If you need help with in shallow water. You may stock your pond as soon as you
this, call our office. have established some cover. Throw in an old Christmas
tree!
1/3- acre pond, 8-10' deep: 250, no trout recommended, 50
4-6" channel catfish, 50 4-5" perch, 25 3-5" bass, 2 gallons
of minnows
1/2- acre pond, 10 - 12' deep: 300 3-4" - trout, 75 4-6"
channel catfish, 75 4-5" perch, 50 3-5" bass, 2 gallons of
minnows.
1- acre pond, over 14' deep: 500 3-4" - trout, 100 4-6"
channel catfish, 100 4-5" perch, 100 3-5" bass, and 3 gal-
lons of minnows.
Fish and Pond Program Page 5
Some Pond Maintenance Tips
Over time, pond dams can become dam- Heavy rains may damage the emer- structed of parallel iron bars, one
aged by muskrats, weeds, or vegetation. gency spillway. This must be kept free inch apart, retains fish and is less
The roots of trees or brush that have of trash in order to function properly. susceptible to clogging.
grown on the levees could penetrate the Water leaving over the emergency
dam, decompose, and form channels that spillway should not be over one or two Older ponds may have an accumula-
may cause leaks or dam failure. They inches deep. Fencing spillway is not tion of silt, which may create shallow
could also loosen the soil, causing the recommended as debris can accumu- areas in the pond. Silt must be
dam to loose its strength. Most farm late and cause the water to pour over physically removed.
ponds need clearing to maintain the in- the top of the dam, leading to possible
tegrity of the levee. dam failure. A horizontal bar spillway
barrier con-
Pond Layout and Depth
Layout and Survey of Ponds
· 1/4 acre size minimum
· Side slopes no steeper than 2:1 horizontal to vertical
· Bottom and sides of pond should be as rough as possible for fish habi-
tat.
Pond Depth
· For 1/4 acre ponds, recommended depth is ten feet. Larger ponds
require at least eight feet of water. Largemouth Bass and Fathead
minnows need eight to ten feet of water.
· Trout can be stocked in warm/cold water ponds, but a depth of fifteen
feet is needed for fish survival.
Habitat Enhancement Notes
To enhance pond habitat, place piles of Anchor logs from the shoreline into We also will be glad to help with
stones, gravel, or concrete blocks in vari- the water to give predator fish a grass carp permits.
ous areas of the pond during construc- shady area to hide under or near a
tion. If the pond is full of water, drop diverse habitat. Tops of logs that are Before the pond fills with water, plant
two to four wheel barrow loads from a above water can be used by turtles or a fast-growing crop in the bottom. If
boat. Better yet, wait until winter and wild ducks for resting sites. construction is completed in the fall
carefully pile some stones on the ice. and the pond is not expected to com-
When the ice melts in the spring, the A well balanced pond would consist pletely fill for two or three months, rye
stones will drop to the bottom. of some aquatic vegetation for fish grass or oats can be broadcast over the
habitat, some predator fish. Fathead pond bottom. This will greatly benefit
Take piles of compacted bundles of the fertility of the water and serve to
minnows, golden shiners, along with
brush tied with copper wire, anchor in stabilize the bottom to aid in prevent-
10-feet areas in about two to four feet of
frogs, tad poles, crayfish, and insects
and their larvae should be present. ing turbid water.
water for extra minnow habitat. This is
normally done in new ponds before the
vegetation begins to grow. Place piles of If you wish to have fish in your
brush in established ponds to create a pond, our office can obtain for you a
more diverse habitat. number of cold or warm water fish.
Fish and Pond Program Page 64
When is a Pond Permit Re- Preventing Oxygen Deficiency
quired?
When oxygen deficiency occurs, aerate your pond by means of an aeration pump,
A permit or license is required drawing water from mid-depth and spraying it back over the pond. To prevent winter
to: oxygen deficiency, keep ice free of snow throughout the winter. For ponds up 1/2 acre
in size, keep the entire pond clear. For larger ponds, clear 1/2 acre for each surface
1. Stock fish acre. You could cut 15 –20 holes at 2-3 inches in diameter through the ice evenly dis-
2. Use fish toxicants tributed on a 1/4 acre pond. Pump water from the pond and let it flow over the ice
3. Apply chemicals to water. back into the pond. Do this three to four hours several times a day throughout the win-
(Only certified applicators ter. Many shallow lakes and ponds normally receive the majority of their dissolved
will be granted permits by oxygen through plant photosynthesis. The remainder of the oxygen found in these
the NYS DEC to apply water bodies is supplied by wind and wave action. Moderate to heavy snow packs on
chemicals to water. Those top of the ice will greatly reduce sunlight penetration and photosynthesis. As aquatic
sold in stores must be ap- plants die, the decomposition process uses up oxygen. The levels of oxygen can be-
proved by DEC.) come depleted in just a few days or over the course of the winter, depending upon the
severity of the conditions. When oxygen is being consumed at a higher rate than it is
If you have any questions re- being produced, fish will suffocate.
garding permits, please call our
office. Fish kills can seem alarming to people who witness them, however, it is just a natural
Applications for grass carp per- form of winterkill and is just one type of mortality. Rapidly fluctuating water tem-
mits and fish pond licenses are peratures, extremely warm water temperatures, spawning activity, unbalanced fish
in the back of this brochure. populations, low oxygen levels, poor nutrition, and fish diseases are all common
See permits on Pages 45 and causes of fish die-offs. If pond owners feel the fish population of their ponds will not
46. recover from a kill off and would like to order more, call our office for more informa-
tion.
Water Temperature of Ponds is Important When Stocking Fish
Before stocking a pond, it is important to know the temperature of both the surface and the base of the pond. For trout,
the bottom water in the pond remains cool. For bass, shiners, and perch, it is important that the surface becomes warm.
Trout prefer surface water temperatures not warmer than 70 º F. Bottom water can be colder than that of the surface by
as much as 12 º F. Trout grow more quickly and are more healthy in colder water. This type of fish seldom reproduces
in farm ponds, seldom survive beyond three years, and usually must be restocked every two years to maintain satisfac-
tory fishing. If you have a newly established pond, it is best to start with trout simply because they do not last and it is
easier to switch to another type when you wish to do so. Once warm-water species are established in the pond, it is im-
possible to change over to trout without first killing off the entire warm-water population. This can be done by draining
the pond or by using chemicals, either of which may present difficulties. Use of chemicals requires a permit from New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
In a warm-water pond, surface water temperatures can remain above 80 degrees F. for considerable periods in the sum-
mer. Largemouth bass, Golden Shiners, Fathead minnows and Perch are good warm-water fish. Suitable ponds should
be stocked with 500 Fathead minnows or Golden Shiners per surface acre. In most ponds under one acre of surface
area, bass predation usually eliminate the
forage fish within a four-year period.
Minnows and Shiners reproduce the year
following stocking and each year thereaf-
ter. Shiners begin to spawn in May when
the water temperatures reach 60-64 degrees
F. and continue throughout the summer.
Both types make excellent bait.
Fish and Pond Program Page 7
Summer Fish Kills in Farm Ponds and Algae
Every year, the district receives calls regarding fish kills during overall reduction in the dissolved oxygen level. Fish previ-
the summer. While some of the fish kills can be attributed to ously able to avoid the oxygen-depleted layer are now sus-
chemical contamination, most are due to either an algae die-off ceptible to low-dissolved oxygen syndrome and possibly
or a physical process called thermal destratification or pond death.
turnover. Both problems result in decreases in dissolved oxy-
gen levels in farm ponds.
Warning Signs
When the dissolved oxygen levels drop too low, the fish will
either die directly from asphyxiation or days later due to dis- Warning signs of potential “problem” ponds include heavy
ease outbreaks caused by stress associated with low dissolved algae blooms which result in a pea soup look of the pond
oxygen. water. Heavy algae blooms coupled with extended periods
of cloudy weather or thunderstorms are all that is needed to
Cause of Fish Kills trigger oxygen depletions. Cloudy weather can lead to algae
die-offs while thunderstorms can cause pond turnover.
Green planktonic (microscopic) algae are essential to
oxygen production in farm ponds. Farm ponds normally An early warning sign of impeding problems is a color
have a faint green color, and water should be clear change in
enough to see around 2 1/2 to 3 feet vertically into the the water
pond water. When there are enough nutrients present in from a rich
the water, algae “blooms” occur and give the water a rich green to a
green or “pea-soup” color. Water clarity decreases as a tea color.
result of these alga blooms to the point that your hand isAnother
not visible in as little as six inches of water. If these alga
more acute
blooms are followed by periods of cloudy weather, there signal will
will be a potential of alga die-off and a fish kill. be fish
swimming
Temperature determines the amount of dissolved gases lethargi-
(oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, for example) in the cally at the
water. The cooler the water, the more soluble the gas. surface of
Water has a high-heat capacity and unique density quali- water.
ties. Water has its maximum density at 39.4 Degrees F. The fish
In the spring, water temperatures are nearly equal at all may ap-
pond depths. As a result, nutrients, dissolved gases, and pear to be
fish wastes are evenly mixed throughout the pond. As gasping for air. By the time you see the fish at the surface, it
the air temperature increases in the summer, the surface is usually too late for the farm pond owner. The fish are
water becomes warmer and lighter while the cooler, stressed to the point that the large fish will die, at worst, all
denser water forms a layer underneath. the fish will die.
Circulation of the colder bottom water is prevented be- Prevention
cause of the different densities between the two stratified
layers of water. Dissolved oxygen levels decrease in the There is no way to avoid pond turnover or algae die-offs.
bottom layer since photosynthesis and contact with the Both are natural processes in farm ponds. There are, how-
air is reduced. The already low-oxygen levels are further ever, a few precautions a farm pond owner can take to reduce
reduced through decomposition of waste products, which the risks. First, follow recommended fish stocking densities.
settle to the pond bottom. As a rule, farm ponds can support around 300 pounds of fish
per acre. Secondly, excessive nutrients in ponds promote
Summer stratification is a greater problem for fish in aquatic plant growth. By eliminating unnecessary nutrients,
deeper farm ponds. Stratification may last for several (call office for a technician for advice if needed), the farm
weeks. This condition may develop into a major fish kill pond owner lowers the risk of excessive algae populations.
when sudden summer rains occur. These rains will cool Fish feeds contain nutrients which promote algae growth.
the warmer upper layer of water enough to allow it to mix Even though it is enjoyable to watch fish eat, feeding does
with the oxygen-poor layer until temperatures are again increase the risk of excessive algae buildup. Finally, proper
mixed evenly throughout the pond, resulting in an control of aquatic plants lowers the risks of a summer fish
kill.
Fish andand
Fish Pond Program
Pond Pgm Page 78
Pond Weeds in Genesee County - Planktonic Algae
Before we begin, it is important to note
that algae problems usually occur due
to ponds being neglected. Often times
people think you can simply “dig a
hole” and then let the pond take care of
itself. Unfortunately, this is not the
case. Healthy ponds require proper
aeration, bacteria treatments and ade-
quate pond weed management.
Planktonic algae are microscopic, free-
floating photosynthetic creatures that
give the pond water its characteristic
green color and are usually suspended
in the top few feet of water. Their pres- Above: Algae create a green cast in pond
ence will cause water to appear pea-
soup green or brownish. They are the primary producers of dissolved oxygen in pond water and are neither
plant, animal, nor fungi. One way to test to see the algae density is to nail a bright colored object such as a
coffee can lid to be bottom of a yardstick. Place the yardstick in the water and observe the depth at which the
light-colored object disappears. In a healthy pond, the light-colored ob-
ject should be visible at a depth of 24 inches. If the object disappears
before a depth of 24 inches, a bloom of microscopic algae is taking
place in the pond. If it is lost before 10 inches of water, the bloom is
heavy and you may want to seek advice concerning about algae control.
Contrary to popular belief, the presence of a healthy level of micro-
scopic algae in a pond is important to good water quality and health of
pond inhabitants. Algae forms the broad base on which the food pyra-
mid in ponds is built. However, a sudden die-off of overabundant
blooms, caused by a change in water temperature over several days, can
Above: Close up of Planktonic algae in a
deplete oxygen levels in the pond. This can result in a die-off of
aquatic organisms. Pond owners will recognize the presence of an algal
bloom when the pond water changes from a clear, green color to a pea-soup green.
Algae, the major food of fish (and thus indirectly many other animals) are a keystone in the aquatic food chain
of life; they are the primary producers of the food that provide the energy to power the whole system. They
are also important to aquatic life in their capacity to supply oxygen through photosynthesis. Other uses of
algae are products like agar and carrageen, which are used as a stabilizer in foods, cosmetics, and paints.
There are over 17,400 known species of algae. Thousands more probably exist. They are primitive plants
closely related to fungi. They exhibit no true leaves, stems or root systems and reproduce by means of spores,
cell division or fragmentation. They “live” from excess nutrients in the water and sunlight
for growth. Grass
carp are not a rec-
ommended form of
algae control.
Fish and Pond Program Page 9
Pond Weeds in Genesee County -Filamentous Algae
The algae that give pond owners the most headaches is
Filamentous algae. Blooms of this algae begin in clear
water in shallow areas where sunlight can penetrate the
water to reach the soil of the pond bottom. Algal cells
join together in long strands resembling green hairs,
which grow in fur-like clumps along the pond bottom and
edges, breaking off and floating to the surface to form
dense mats. Sudden die-offs of dense blooms of filamen-
tous algae can create serious water quality problems, not
to mention unattractive and odorous conditions as the
dead algae decay.
Filamentous algae, also called “moss” or “pond scum”,
forms dense mats of hair-sized strands. New growth be-
gins on submergent objects on pond bottoms. As the
plant grows, the plant gives oxygen that becomes en-
trapped in the mat of strands which gives it buoyancy and
causes it to float to the surface. Once risen, the plant can
cover larger amounts of the pond surface. The plant re-
produces by plant fragments, spores, and cell division.
Identification of this algae is difficult because a micro-
scopic examination is necessary. However, there a few
species that are very distinguishable by their texture. For
example, spirogyra is bright green and slimy to the touch;
Cladophora has a cottony feel; and Pithorphora is often
referred to as “horse hair” algae because its coarse texture
resembles that of horse hair and it may feel like steel
wool.
Some Methods of Control include physically removing large floating clumps with a rake. This will prevent
the algae from decomposing in the pond and consuming dissolved oxygen. Algae that has been removed can
be piled for composting or can be used in a garden as mulch. Another method
would be to deepen as many shallow areas of the pond as possible so that
light does not penetrate to the soil of the pond bottom. Water depths of three
feet or more will help to control the start of aquatic problems. Another
method is to control the amount of nutrients running into the pond. Reducing
the use of phosphorous-rich fertilizers close to the pond and/or planting a
buffer strip of high grasses or shrubs around a side of the pond with a steep bank or drainage
area can help to reduce the amount of nutrient laden run-off entering the pond. Diversion
trenches to redirect run-off around the pond banks can be used in some situations. Some-
times chemicals must be used but you must contact the NYS DEC to obtain a permit. One
must be careful not to have a sudden die off of al-
gae, which would cause a significant drop in the
amount of dissolved oxygen available in the pond,
not to mention the awful mess left by the dying
algae. Note: See Barley Straw on Page 42.
Fish and Pond Program Page 10Pond Weeds in Genesee County-Attached-erect algae (Chara, Nitella, Muskgrass)
This is a bottom growing "advanced" form of algae that is commonly confused with other weeds. It has a musky odor
and a gritty feel to it, which is due to the calcium deposits on its surface. A close relative is called Nitella. These forms
of algae can actually be quite beneficial. They cover the bottom and crowd out less desirable species, such as Eurasian
Water milfoil, while filtering the water and providing cover for aquatic organisms. Here
are some facts:
· When the algae has been pulled out and let dry on shore, it will turn white, versus the
normal dark color a regular plant will turn.
· After it has dried for a couple of weeks, Chara will actually turn to a powder when
touched.
· Chara is gritty to the touch and has a very unpleasant odor.
· Since Chara uses calcium out of the water, it is not unusual to have extremely clear
water, so much that you can see the bottom of the pond at all depths.
· Other common names for Chara are Muskgrass or Stonewort.
· Leaf-like structures are whorled about the stem at fairly uniform intervals. Chara has a
hollow stem.
· Some species will stay close to the bottom and not interfere with water use. These help
stabilize bottom sediments, provide good fish habitat, and crowd out
less desirable plants.
· Chara is commonly found in Western New York.
Nitella is similar, but it has a reddish color. Chara and Nitella are very
resistant to chemical treatment and require twice the dosage of other
algae. Unless you catch the attached-erect algae early, it will take a
number of chemical treatments to eliminate. These plants like a lot of
sunlight, so use of pond dye to reduce sunlight penetration can help
reduce this algae infestation.
Grass carp will eat algae, but it will most likely eat it when the carp are small or when there is little else to eat.
Value - Chara is an excellent food source for waterfowl and various fish species. It is home to many microscopic ani-
mals and algae and provides good cover for small fish. Generally considered a beneficial plant, Chara can become a
problem in shallow ponds.
Mechanical Control - Not recommended since Chara can spread from fragments.
Nutrient Management - Overabundant plant growth is usu-
ally caused by excessive nutrients (nitrogen and phospho-
rous). These nutrients may come from runoff from barn-
yards, crop fields, septic systems, lawns, golf courses, and
livestock, including geese and ducks. Long-term control of
overabundant plants is best accomplished by reducing or re-
directing nutrient sources to the pond. This may be done by
reducing fertilizer use near the pond, maintaining septic sys-
tems, directing nutrient-laden runoff away from the pond, or
maintaining buffer strips around the pond. If you fail to ad-
dress the underlying nutrient cause of plant growth, you must
rely on continual removal of the plants using mechanical,
biological or chemical control techniques.
Fish and Pond Program Page 11Pond Weeds in Genesee County - Duckweed (Lemnaceae)
Duckweed can distinguished by simply looking to see if the floating mat is made up of small, single plants (all
appearing like very small clover plants-anywhere from one to two tiny leaves per plant.) These small duck-
weed plants almost always have a tiny half-inch root that hangs down from the bottom of each plant as it
floats on the surface of the water. As far as scale, each single duckweed plant (all leaves) will usually fit
within your small fingernail. These plants grow so close together that in a pond they appear as one huge mat.
Duckweed has been found to double
their mass in between 16 to 20 days
under optimal conditions, including nutrient availability,
sunlight and water temperature. When conditions are good, duckweed contains considerable protein, fat,
starch, and minerals which appear to be mobilized for biomass growth when nutrient concentrations fall below
critical levels for growth. Duckweed has been fed to animals and fish to complement their diets, largely to
provide a protein of high biological value. Pigs can use duckweed as a protein/energy source with slightly less
efficiency than soybean meal.
Duckweed makes a fast sustainable harvest of bulk plants for livestock fodder, aquaculture feeds, waterfowl
grazing, and compost materials. This plant produces more protein per square meter than soybeans, is easier to
harvest than other aquatic plants, can be used for feed for farm animals, and provides food for wildlife, espe-
cially waterfowl. Interestingly, duckweed are extremely efficient absorbers of ammonia, nitrate, phosphorous,
potassium, magnesium, calcium, sodium, chlorine, boron and iron. This plant can remove as much as 99% of
the nutrients and dissolved solids in wastewater and are used in some water purification plants.
More information can be located at http://www.cipav.org.co/1rrd/lrrd7/1/3.htm.
Fish and Pond Program Page 12Pond Weeds in Genesee County—Yellow Water Buttercup (Ranunculus flabellaris)
Characteristics:
Yellow water-buttercup is an aquatic
perennial with freely branching, hollow
stems. Some plants may be entirely
free-floating with only tips of the leaves and stem and flowers emerging
from the water, while others may be totally exposed and out of the water.
On mud flats, the stems are lax to prostrate and the stems root easily at the nodes. The leaves are all found
alternating along the stems, with two types of leaves. It blooms in April and May, with bright yellow flowers
approximately 2.5 cm in diameter. Flowers typically are elevated above the surface of the water. There are
five greenish-yellow sepals that are spreading and deciduous, measuring from 5 to 8 mm long. The five or
more yellow petals are 9 to 12 mm. long.
Location: The yellow water-buttercup is found in shallow ponds, marshes, slow moving streams or rivers,
and on mud flats at lower elevations.
Identification: This plant can easily be confused with Chara. However, when dried, the buttercup turn black-
ish-brown, while Chara turns white and crumbles easily. The buttercup has nodules on it from the blos-
soms, while the Chara does not. You must look for these characteristics to make a determination.
Field Characteristics: It is an aquatic herb, either floating or submerged. Leaves are highly variable. The
submerged leaves are flattened and dissected into many segments 1-2 mm. wide. The emergent leaves, if pre-
sent, are 3-parted. Flowers are on emergent, long, thick stalks. Petals number 5 and are 6.5 to 16 mm. long and
golden yellow. Nutlets are 1.7-2.2 mm. long and are arranged in a densely-packed, fruiting head. The nutlets
have a corky margin at maturity. It flowers from April to June.
Fish and Pond Program Page 13Pond Weeds in Genesee County -Sago Pond Weed (Potomogeton pectinatus)
Sago pondweed is a perennial plant that arises from
thickly matted rhizomes and has no floating leaves. The
stems are thin, long, and highly branched with leaves
very thin and filament-like, about 1/16 of an inch wide
and 2” to over 12” long, tapering to a point. The leaves
grow in thick layers and originate from a sheath. The
fruit is nut-like, 1/8 to 1/4 inches long and 1/10 to 1/8
inches wide.
Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats
for many micro and macro invertebrates. These inverte-
brates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife
species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, and ducks). After
aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and
fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic
invertebrates. Sago pondweed is an excellent food for
waterfowl which eat both the fruits and tubers.
FIELD CHARACTERISTICS: An aquatic, perennial herb. This pondweed has a bushy appearance because of its
much-branched stems and numerous thread-like leaves spreading in a fan-like fashion. The leaves are all submerged.
Fruits are 2.5-4.5 mm. long, not including the tiny beak. It flowers from June to September.
ECOLOGICAL NOTES: Sago pondweed is found in marshes, lakes and streams usually at depths to 5 feet, rarely to
10 feet, especially in calcareous, mix of saline and saline waters. The pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.) in general are
among the most important of all aquatic plants for wildlife food, and sago pondweed may be the most important because
of its abundant production of fruit and tubers. The entire plant is relished as food by waterfowl. It also provides good
fish habitat.
Sago Pondweed
Family Potamogetonaceae (Pondweed)
Class
Monocot
Description
Submersed rooted, alternate long narrow leaves with distinct point, flow-
ers emergent and inconspicuous, wind or water pollinated, reproduces by
stolons and both subterranean and auxiliary tubers
US Distribution
Throughout North America
Worldwide Distribution *Eutrophic: Excess nitrogen and
Almost worldwide phosphorus, growth of green algae
Ecology (Photosynthesis), green colored water,
Submersed in both static and flow- decaying algae settle to the bottom ,
ing waters bacterial decomposition of decaying
Economic Importance algae, and anaerobic condition in or-
May form nuisance growths in eu- ganic mud
trophic* streams and ditches
Ecological Importance
Highly important habitat and food for waterfowl and aquatic organisms,
waterfowl eat tubers, foliage, and seeds. The genus and family are the
most important taxa to submersed aquatic communities in North Amer-
ica, d possibly worldwide.
Fish and Pond Program Page 14Pond Weeds in Genesee County—Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum)
Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a completely submersed plant
commonly seen in New York State lakes with moderate to high nutrient
levels. It is also known by the common name Hornwort. The common
names refer to its full, bottle-brush-like growth form and its forked, antler-
shaped leaves. The Latin name Ceratophyllum pertains to the horned leaf
edges - Cerato derives from the Greek word "keras" (horn, as in rhinoc-
eros). Phyllum means leaf.
The serrated, forked leaves of
coontail are arranged on the
stems in whorls, with usually
5-12 leaves in each whorl. It is
generally a dark, olive green
color, and is often rather hard
and crusty to the feel. This is
especially true where it grows
in hard water lakes (the cal-
cium in the water becomes deposited on the leaf surface, making it
seem crunchy).
The tiny flowers of coontail are located at the leaf bases. Each
flower is either male or female, though both are borne on the same plants. The flowers are on very short stalks,
so they never grow to the water's surface. This means pollination must occur under water. Coontail accom-
plishes this by releasing the stamens from the male flowers. These stamens rise to the surface where they split
open and release their pollen. In still water, the pollen grains sink slowly, pollinating any female flowers they
come in contact with. The release of pollen in the water is unusual, even for aquatic plants. Because pollen
usually needs to be dry until it reaches the female flower, most aquatic plants have flowers which rise above
the surface to be pollinated by insects or wind. How-
ever, the pollen of coontail has adapted to being wet,
so the plant can complete its entire life cycle under
water. After pollination, a small, hard, oval seed with
three spines is produced. Coontail spreads to new ar-
eas either through germination of these seeds, or by re
growth of stem fragments.
Coontail does not produce roots, instead it absorbs
all the nutrients it requires from the surrounding wa-
ter. If it is growing near the lake bottom, it will form
modified leaves which it uses to anchor to the sedi-
ment. However, it can float free in the water column,
and sometimes forms dense mats just below the sur-
face. Because it gets nutrients from the water, it grows
best where these nutrient levels are high. In the wild
it provides habitat for young fish and other aquatic
animals. Waterfowl will eat the seeds and foliage,
though it is not a favorite food plant.
Fish and Pond Program Page 15Pond Weeds in Genesee County - Fanwort (Cabomba caroliniana)
Description and Variation
Fanwort is a submersed, floating (often rooted), perennial, with
short, fragile rhizomes. Shoots are grass green to olive green or
sometimes reddish brown. Leaves are of two types: submersed
and floating. Submersed leaves are finely divided and arranged
in pairs on the stem. Floating leaves are linear and inconspicu-
ous, with an alternate arrangement. Floating leaves are long (less
than 1/2 inch) and narrow (less than 1/4 inch), and the leaf blade
attaches to the center, where there is a slight constriction. Flow-
ers are white and small (less than 1/2 inch in diameter), and they
float on the water surface..
Economic Importance
Fanwort is an extremely persistent and competitive plant. Under
suitable environmental conditions, it can form dense stands, crowding out previously well-established plants.
Once established, this plant can clog drainage canals and freshwater streams, interfering with recreational, ag-
ricultural, and aesthetic uses. In its native habitat, fanwort is eaten by waterfowl and some fish. In addition, it
provides cover for some small fish and plankton.
Habitat
The species grows rooted in the mud of stagnant to slow flowing water, including streams, smaller rivers,
lakes, ponds, sloughs, and ditches.
Growth, Development, and Reproduction
Fanwort is an herbaceous perennial that spreads primarily by stem fragments or rhizomes. Erect shoots are
upturned extensions of horizontal rhizomes. The species forms large clones as new rhizomes and floating
shoots arise as axillary branches. Rhizomes are fragile and easily broken, facilitating vegetative spread and
transport to new water bodies.
Fish and Pond Program Page 16
Fish and Pond Program Page 16Pond Weeds in Genesee County—Bladderwort (Utricularia inflata)
Swollen bladderwort is a member of a fasci-
nating group of freely-floating, rootless, car-
nivorous aquatic plants. It is native in the
southeastern United States, but is increasingly
being seen in Western NY where it is consid-
ered to be a nuisance. Where present, it has
been known to form dense beds of floating
plants. Above: Close up of Bladder
Growth Habit
In Washington swollen bladderwort flowers from June to July. When flowering, the
plant forms a wheel-like floating platform that supports a yellow snapdragon-like
flower. These flowers stick up about six inches above the water surface. Swollen
bladderwort reproduces from small fragments and from seed. A Florida botanist reports that when plants be-
come stranded on mud, they can produce long threadlike branches with each "thread" bearing a tiny tuber at
its tip. When not in flower, swollen bladderwort floats below the water's surface. Bladderwort obtains its nu-
trients from the water and from tiny creatures that it captures in its seed-like bladders. These bladders are actu-
ally traps that use a vacuum to capture small invertebrates that trigger a trap door. Once inside the bladder,
enzymes are secreted to digest the prey, providing the plant with nutrients.
Management
Because of the interesting "spoke-like" flower platform and the yellow flowers, bladderwort may have been
introduced as a water garden plant or aquarium plant. It may also be popular with people who cultivate car-
nivorous plants. Swollen bladderwort has been observed in isolated ponds where it is unlikely that boats visit.
This plant might be spreading by waterfowl. Grass carp will consume swollen bladderwort, although it does
not appear to be a preferred species. One management technique is to hand pull the plants.
Identification
These plants can be readily distinguished from other aquatic plants by the small, round, seed-like structures
(bladders) that are interspersed throughout the green foliage. However, when not flowering, identifying native
bladder plants from swollen bladderwort is very difficult. Look for: Lacy underwater foliage with seed-like
bladders ·Yellow snapdragon-like flowers · A spoke-like structure supporting the flower stalk
Fish and Pond Program Page 17Pond Weeds in Genesee County—Eurasian Water-Milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum)
Eurasian water milfoil is an exotic aquatic plant that was introduced to
North America between the late 1800's and the early 1940's. It grows rap-
idly and tends to form a dense canopy on the water surface, which often
interferes with recreation, inhibits water flow, and impedes navigation.
Therefore, there is much interest in developing safe, cost-effective con-
trol measures for this nuisance species. Currently, herbicides or mechani-
cal harvesting are most often used to control water milfoil infestations.
These methods can provide relief from the nuisances caused by milfoil.
Biological control (or biocontrol) is one possible tool that deserves fur-
ther consideration. Biocontrol offers several potential advantages over
conventional methods, including reduced cost, long-term effectiveness,
and little or no negative impacts
on other aspects of aquatic sys-
tems. Several aquatic insects have
been associated with declines of
Eurasian water milfoil, providing
the impetus for research into bio-
control of Eurasian water milfoil. Current efforts are focused on the
native milfoil weevil, Euhrychiopsis lecontei, which has been associ-
ated with natural declines of Eurasian water milfoil and has shown po-
tential in controlled experiments in the field.
The milfoil weevil is native to North America and is a specialist herbi-
vore of water milfoils. Once exposed to the exotic Eurasian water mil-
foil, the weevil prefers Eursasian over its native host northern water milfoil. Adult weevils live submersed
and lay eggs on milfoil meristems. The larvae eat the meristem and bore down through the stem, consuming
the cortex, and then pupate (metamorphose) lower on the stem . Development from egg to adult occurs in 18-
30 days at summer temperatures . The consumption of meristem and stem mining by larvae are the two main
effects of weevils on the plant and this damage can suppress plant growth, reduce root biomass and carbohy-
drate stores and cause the plant to sink from the water column. Although the weevil has been quite effective at
some sites, it has not been effective at other sites.
Fish and Pond Program Page 18Pond Weeds in Genesee County—Pondweed (Potamogeton)
There are many variations of pondweed, including leaves that
are both floating and submersed. Submersed leaves are long
and narrow. Floating leaves are oblong and slightly heart-
shaped at the base. The stems are occasionally branched and
the leaves are alternately arranged on the stem. A solid, tightly
packed spike of nutlets at the tip of the weed rise above the sur-
face of the water.
The seeds from pondweeds are among the most important wa-
terfowl foods. Pondweeds have limp underwater stems which
are from a few inches to a few feet long. Near the top of the
stems of some kinds are oval or oblong floating leaves. Usu-
ally, these stems have underwater leaves, too. In the summer,
pondweeds produce small greenish flowers which stick out of
the water an inch or two.
Mature pondweeds:
1) Have both floating and submerged leaves.
2) Submersed leaves are alternate; upper leaves may be opposite.
3) Stems are simple or slightly branched.
4) Flowers are in elongate heads or spikes held above the surface of the water.
5) Reproduces by seeds, tubers, or winter buds on the tips of rhizomes, usually beneath the surface of the
soil.
ECOLOGICAL NOTES: Floating-leaved pondweed is found in marshes, lakes, rivers, ditches, and bogs;
typically in water depths to 5 feet, but it can be found at more than twice that depth. Good fish habitat is pro-
vided by this aquatic plant.
Fish and Pond Program Page 19Pond Weeds in Genesee County—Curly Leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crspus L)
Curly Leaf Pondweed is a perennial, rooted, submersed
aquatic vascular plant. It was first found in the United States in
l950, and is currently found in most parts of the world.
This plant has a unique life cycle which gives it competitive
advantages over many native aquatic plants. Unlike most na-
tive plants, curly leaf pondweed may be in an active state even
under thick ice and snow cover, thus will form new plants over
the winter. (Wehrneister and Stuckey, l978).
Therefore, it is often the first plant to appear after ice is gone.
By late spring it can form dense mats which may interfere with
recreation and limit the growth of native aquatic plants. Curly
leaf plants usually die back in early summer in response to in-
creasing water temperatures, but first form vegetative
propagules called turions (hardened stem tips). New plants
sprout from turions in the fall. (Catling and Dobson, l985).
Curly-leaf pondweed is an exotic plant that forms surface mats that inter-
fere with aquatic recreation. The plant
usually drops to the lake bottom by early
July. Curly-leaf pondweed was the most
severe nuisance aquatic plant in the Mid-
west until Eurasian watermilfoil ap-
peared. It was accidentally introduced
along with the common carp. It has been
here so long most people are not aware it
is an exotic.
Fish and Pond Program Page 20Pond Weeds in Genesee County-Common Waterweed (Elodea Canadensis)
Name: Elodea, Common Waterweed (Elodea canadensis)
Picture of Flowers, Fruit- cylindrical shaped fruit capsules
Distribution: Inland, from freshwater streams and ponds to moderately
brackish tidal tributaries.
Description: Rooted; stems many-branched. Dark green leaves usually
greater than three times as long as wide (3/4" long and 1/4" wide ),
mostly drooping downward with finely toothed margins. Simple leaves
usually in whorls of three.
Reproduction: Usually vegetative reproduction
Comments: Native species displays extreme phenotypic plasticity
(often has dramatically different physical appearance from one location
to the next). Elodea nuttali is also believed to be present in MD, and is
very difficult to distinguish from E. canadensis.
Flowers: White flowers may appear from July to September, but this
species typically does not flower everywhere.
Similar Species: Hydrilla verticillata - prominent teeth and leaves usually found in whorls of five or four,
Elodea densa- leaves usually found in whorls of four.
Hydrilla - Description: Stem long and branched with oppositely arranged leaves at the bottom and whorls of 3
leaves on the upper portions of the plant. Leaf oval shaped with
margins toothed. Pointed spines on midrib underside of leaf.
Plant fragments are capable of reproduction
American Elodea - Common Name: American Elodea
Description: Submerged weed with broad oval leaves, usually
four in number, arranged in whorls around stem. Whorls are
compact near the growth tip, with spacing between the whorls
gradually increasing further down the stem.
Brazilian Elodea - Common Name: Brazilian Elodea
Description: Plants very similar to Hydrilla but leaves are not
toothed. A visual inspection and handling of the leaves will
quickly distinguish it from Hydrilla.
Note: Drawing is used with permission from the Center for
Aquatic Plants, University of Florida. Drawing cannot be copied
without permission from the Center. Descriptions are from the
book "How to Identify and Control Water Weeds and Algae", Ed-
ited by James C. Schmidt, 5th edition revised 1998, copyright
1976 Applied Biochemists.
Fish and Pond Program Page 21Pond Weeds in Genesee County—Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticllata)
Hydrilla is considered the most problematic aquatic plant in the United States. This plant
is native to Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia but was introduced to Florida in 1960 via
the aquarium trade. Hydrilla is now well-established in some states where control and
management costs millions of dollars each year.
Growth Habit
Hydrilla forms dense mats of vegetation that interfere with recreation and destroy fish and
wildlife habitat. Unlike other problem aquatic plants, like Brazilian elodea, that reproduce
only by fragmentation, hydrilla spreads by seeds, tubers, plant fragments, and turions
(over wintering buds). One square meter of hydrilla can produce 5,000 tubers. Once hy-
drilla becomes established, it is readily spread by waterfowl and boating activities.
Hydrilla has several advantages over other plants. It will grow with less light and is more
efficient at taking up nutrients than other plants. It also has extremely effective methods
of propagation. Besides making seeds (seedlings are actually rarely seen in nature), it can
sprout new plants from root fragments or stem fragments containing as few as two whorls
of leaves. Recreational users can easily spread these small fragments from water body to water body.
However, hydrilla's real secret to success is its ability to produce structures called turions and tubers. (Presence of these
structures is also a characteristic which distinguishes this plant from similar looking plants.) Turions are compact "buds"
produced along the leafy stems. They break free of the parent plant and drift or settle to the bottom to start new plants.
They are 1/4 inch long, dark green, and appear spiny. Tubers are underground and form at the end of roots. They are
small, potato-like, and are usually white or yellowish. Hydrilla produces an abundance of tubers and turions in the fall.
Tubers may remain dormant for several years in the sediment. Tubers and turions can withstand ice cover, drying, her-
bicides, and ingestion and regurgitation by waterfowl.
Hydrilla is an invisible menace, invisible that is until it fills the lake or river that it infests. When hydrilla invades, ecol-
ogically-important native submersed plants such as coontail are shaded out and eliminated; recreational and even com-
mercial boating becomes difficult; swimming becomes unpleasant and even dangerous; fishing becomes impossible.
Millions of dollars are spent each year on herbicides and mechanical harvesters in an effort to place hydrilla under
"maintenance control". Managing hydrilla using biological control insects also is part of the management mix.
Hydrilla can grow an inch a day! It is on federal "prohibited plant" lists. (See hydrilla distribution maps on the U.S. Geo-
logical Survey web site.) Hydrilla can grow in almost any freshwater: springs, lakes, marshes, ditches, rivers, tidal
zones. It can grow in only a few inches of water, or in water 20 feet deep. Hydrilla is a long, sinewy, underwater plant.
Its branching stems can grow to 25 feet long. Hydrilla's small leaves are strap-like and pointed. The
leaves grow in whorls of 4 to 8 around the stem. The leaf margins are distinctly saw-toothed. Hydrilla
often has one or more sharp teeth along the
length of the leaf mid-rib. Hydrilla pro-
duces tiny white flowers on long stalks. It
also produces 1/4-inch long turions at the
leaf axils and potato-like tubers at-
tached to the roots in the mud. New
plants grow from the turions and tubers.
Once hydrilla infests a waterway, it is all
but impossible to eliminate. A square meter
of the plant produces thousands of small,
long-lived tubers that regenerate, as do
small fragments of stem. Grass carp are
known to be effective in controlling hy-
drilla.
Fish and Pond Program Page 22Pond Weeds in Genesee County -Pond Lily (Nymphaea odorata)
Characteristics of Pond Lilies:
Leaves are round, plate-like, floating,
with a thick waxy covering, green
above and purplish beneath, 8”-14”
wide.
Flowers are white with many whorled
petals tapering toward the edges and
growing smaller near the center of
flower, very fragrant, 3”-5” across.
Natural History:
The lily flowers from June to
September.
It thrives in quiet waters.
Water lilies can grow in water as
shallow as six inches and as deep as
fifteen feet.
Beneath the leaf is a hollow stem that
anchors the lily to the roots at the
bottom of the pond. The stem brings gases from the water’s surface to
the rhizomes and roots, and also conveys waste gases to the surface.
The flowers open and close each day for several days until they are
pollinated. Once pollinations occurs, the underwater stem curls like a
spring and pulls the blossom underwater, presumably to protect it from
damage.
The
water lily is
a great plant
for
cultivation
in containers for ornamental ponds.
Beaver, moose, muskrat, porcupine, and
deer eat water lily leaves and roots and
waterfowl eat the seeds. The leaves provide
cover for largemouth bass, sunfish, and frogs.
Lilies must be controlled or they can
become too dense, creating areas of low
oxygen.
Fish and Pond Program Page 23Pond Weeds in Genesee County—Cattails (Typha gracilis)
The earliest cattail was recorded as native to North America in l836. Cattails are
an indicator of the presence of wetlands. Here in Genesee County, cattails
dominate areas of shallow ponds or areas of untended muck soils. It can be
spotted along road ditches, especially in wet areas. These plants, known as water
purifiers, are sometimes planted in the last stages of municpal water purification.
As the cattail dies, it contributes to the organic material which fills in the pond,
making the pond more shallow, thus providing for even better cattail habitat.
Once established, cattails can survive as long as water is available during the
growing season. However, cattails are slowly being replaced by the purple
loosestrife and phragmities, neither of which have any redeeming qualities.
Cattails are restricted to the shallower water along the shores of ponds and in
regions where seasonal flooding occurs. These plants form tall, dense stands that
encompass the open water of a pond, or they can completely envelope a pond.
Soon the pond appears to be a cattail “meadow.” Years of low water levels
especially contribute to the spread of cattails. When high water levels return, the
cattails can survive under deeper water provided the shoots can remain above the
water level.
Removal of cattails with the use of a backhoe will help overcome cattails. Grass carp will eat the tender new shoots, but
will not go for the hardened, woody shoots. Sometimes elimination is successful by cutting the plants below the water’s
surface.
Wetland soil that is either temporarily chronically saturated by water becomes anoxic (no oxygen) because water holds
little oxygen. Anoxic soil can be easily identified by the sulfurous odor (mostly hrdrogen sulfide) which is produced by
the anaerobic bacteria. Because rooted emergent plants such as cattails acquire most if not all of the their nutrients from
the soil, the necessity of supplying oxygen to the roots becomes obvious. Thus, cattails have acquired mechanisms that
enable them to supply oxygen to their roots. The cattails transfer oxygen from their leaves to their roots through their
lacunae, a system of interconnected, gas-filled chambers that run the length of the leaves and stems. Oxygen gas moves
by diffusion down the pressure gradient that is established by the production of oxygen in the leaves during
photosynthesis. As photosynthesis proceeds, oxygen is continually produced, thereby increasing the gas pressure within
the lacunae to a level that permits oxygen to diffuse to the lower pressure in the root hairs, establishing a region of
oxygenated soil adjacent to the roots. This zone of oxygenated soil may benefit the cattail by improving nutrient
availablity to the plant directly (or by benefiting the microbial community that serves this function.)
Cattails have the ability to absorb pollutants from
the water. Chevron Corp., for instance, is using
cattails to soak up selenium discharged from its
Point Richmond (Calif.) oil refinery. Some of the
selenium is expelled into the air in nontoxic
quantities. Cattails contianing selenium can be
reaped and spread over soil that are deficient in
the metal.
This plant produces a high number of seeds,
which germinate readily in shallow water. Most
new growth occurs vegetativley through their
large and robust rhizome system. Cattails provide
habitat for a variety of wildlife species including
waterfowl and other water birds, muskrats,
blackbirds, fish, white-tail deer, and ring-neck
pheasants.
Fish and Pond Program Page 24You can also read
