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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VideosPond Ecology and the Role of Aquatic Plants
Length 3:11This video provides an overview of aquatic plants. -
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. -
VideosGetting to Know Your Pond
Length 3:19Proper pond management practices should always start with an assessment and inspection of the current conditions in the pond. -
VideosHarmful Algae Blooms (HABs)
Length 6:10A harmful algae bloom (HAB) in your pond can endanger people and animals. This video describes HABs and discusses possible courses of action if you have one. -
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. -
VideosBiological Control of Aquatic Plants
Length 2:50There are a few biological methods that, when applied correctly, can be very effective and environmentally friendly to your pond. -
VideosChemical Control of Aquatic Plants
Length 7:14Herbicides are often the first thing pond owners turn to when nuisance aquatic plants appear in their ponds. -
VideosAquatic Plant Identification
Length 4:14While aquatic plants and algae may interfere with pond uses, they also serve vital roles in supporting the fish and animal life that make up the pond ecosystem. -
VideosAquatic Invasive Species in Pennsylvania
Length 12:36Several Aquatic Invasive Species of particular concern in Pennsylvania are discussed, and their identifying characteristics reviewed. -
ArticlesBarley Straw for Algae Control
In recent years, the use of barley straw has become more common as an alternative method for controlling excessive algae growth. -
ArticlesPermit Requirement for Use of An Aquatic Herbicide in Ponds
If you use any aquatic herbicide on your pond to control algae or aquatic plants, you must first obtain a state permit. -
NewsResponsible Recreation Helps Reduce the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species
Date Posted 8/15/2025Non-native species pose a risk to the health of our waterways. -
VideosPreventing Excessive Aquatic Plant and Algae Growth
Length 3:24When plants and algae grow abundantly, pond and lake owners often think about ways to eliminate the offending plant. Nutrient control is the long term solution. -
ArticlesHarmful Algal Blooms: Safety, Testing, and Management Options
This article discusses what harmful algal blooms (HABs) are and summarizes quick identification tips, water testing, and bloom control methods. -
ArticlesNative Plant Selection for Backyard Aquatic Gardens
The installation of appropriate vegetation alongside consistent water quality and nutrient management are key to maintaining a sustainable aquatic garden. -
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. -
ArticlesPond Measurements: Area, Volume and Residence Time
An explanation of basic pond measurements that are vital to pond management practices. -
ArticlesWinterkill in Ponds
In the winter, the water gets much colder, and ice may cover the top of the pond for an extended period. This can lead to what is called "winterkill." -
ArticlesDuckweed and Watermeal
Duckweed and watermeal are free-floating aquatic plants that are commonly encountered in Pennsylvania. They are usually found in nutrient-rich ponds with stagnant or little flow. -
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. -
ArticlesUsing Grass Carp to Control Aquatic Plants
This information explains how to use grass carp for biological aquatic vegetation control. -
ArticlesChara and Nitella
Nitella and Chara look like rooted, aquatic plants, but both are actually a form of algae. -
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. -
ArticlesElodea (Common Waterweed)
Elodea is one of the few pond plants that can remain green all winter long. -
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.
