Control American Pondweed

Most found in flowing waters, American pondweed is a very common native plant. While it provides habitat for fish and food for some animals, this plant can hinder boat access and navigation. The following options can be considered for how to control American pondweed.

Click here to read more about identifying this plant.

Manual/Mechanical Control:

If you are considering how to remove American pondweed, physically pulling this plant and digging up the roots can be a somewhat effective method of control. However, physical control can be difficult. American pondweed can re-grow from any roots or seeds remaining in the water.

Herbicide Control:

There are multiple options for how to kill American pondweed that offer great or some control.

1. Spritflo (for ponds with no outflow) – liquid that is poured and spreads throughout the entire body of water, offers extended control.
2. Hydrothol (for lakes) – granules that are broadcast where the plants are.
3. Cattail and Water Lily Control (Imox + surfactant) (for ponds or lakes) – liquids that are mixed and diluted with water. Spray directly on the floating leaves and on the water where the pondweeds are growing . See notes below.
4. Dibrox (for ponds or lakes) – liquid that is diluted with water and sprayed over the plants, fast acting. Will offer some control.

When treating American pondweed,

• Spritflo can be used at the first signs of growth.
• With other herbicides, treat when the plants are established and actively growing.
• To use Imox, a higher rate is needed than for other plants that are on the surface or emerged out of the water. See the Imox label for rates based on average depth of the treatment area.