Potamogeton crispus

Photo courtesy Joseph DiTomaso

Common names: curly-leaved pondweed; curled pondweed; curly pondweed

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 Rating: Moderate

Cal-IPC Assessment

Plant Assessment Form - Information gathered by Cal-IPC on the impacts, rate of spread, and distribution of invasive plants in California. Does not include management information.

Weed RIC Management Notes

  • Management Notes - Information on management techniques and effectiveness from the University of California Cooperative Extension’s Weed Research & Information Center.

Cal-IPC Newsletter Articles

Cal-IPC Symposium Presentations

Presentations are linked where available. Where a presentation is not available, find more information by reading the abstract in the Cal-IPC Symposia Archive.

  • Aquatic working group. Anderson, Lars; Zaremba, Katy; Owen, Julie; Crosson, Holly (2004)

Other Potamogeton crispus Information

  • CalPhotos - Images of plants taken mostly in California.
  • Calflora - See the distribution of this species on Calflora's map of California.
  • CalWeedMapper - Distribution information with ability to determine regional priorities.
  • Jepson Online Interchange for California Flora - Information on taxonomy, biology, and distribution from UC Berkeley's Jepson Herbarium.
  • USDA PLANTS Database - Federal database with information on identification and distribution, and links to websites in individual states.