Potamogeton crispus (curlyleaf pondweed)

Potamogeton crispus

Photo courtesy Joseph DiTomaso

Potamogeton crispus (curlyleaf pondweed) is an aquatic perennial (family Potamogetonaceae). The genus Potamogeton contains many widespread, variable species that are difficult to tell apart. Potamogeton species are important for wildlife, but they can become problems in managed aquatic systems such as irrigation canals. All species of Potamogeton are native to California except P. crispus. There is no evidence that curlyleaf pondweed hybridizes with native Potamogeton species, particularly since it primarily reproduces vegetatively.

Cal-IPC Inventory rating: Moderate

Cal-IPC Resources on Potamogeton crispus

• California Invasive Plant Inventory Assessment Form (pdf) - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.
• Cal-IPC News - Articles from our quarterly newsletter. (None for this species.)
• Cal-IPC Symposium Proceedings - Presentations and papers from our annual Symposium. (None for this species.)

Cal-IPC News Articles

• None for this species.

Cal-IPC Symposium Proceedings

• None for this species.

Other Resources on Potamogeton crispus

• USDA PLANTS database - Federal database with information on identification and distribution, and links to websites in individual states.
• Jepson Online Interchange for California Flora - Information on taxonomy, biology, and distribution from the UC Berkeley Jepson Herbarium.
• CalFlora - Distribution information by county based on submitted observations and herbarium specimens.
• The Nature Conservancy Management Summary - Information compiled by TNC land managers. Photos included for some species.
• CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.

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