Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Monday - December 22, 2014
From: Mt. Pleasant, SC
Region: Southeast
Topic: Water Gardens, Problem Plants
Title: Eliminating Najas flexilis from a pond
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What method would be effective in eliminating Najas Flexilis from a pond?ANSWER:
One of the best sources of information I could find about invasive aquatic plants is A Guide to Invasive Aquatic Plants of Connecticut from the Connecticut State Government. They describe nine non-native invasive species that have the greatest potential to cause environmental and economic damage. Najas minor (Brittleleaf naiad), one of the nine non-natives that they describe is often confused with the native, Najas flexilis (Nodding waternymph). They also say that controlling the invasives once they are established is very difficult. One difficulty in controlling them is that the seeds are inconspicuous and can be transferred easily by boats or boat trailers. I don't know how large your pond is, but if it is small boats and boat trailers probably aren't a problem. Mechanical control is one potential means of controlling invasive aquatic plants. Hand pulling is the simplest option if the area is not too large or too deep to reach all the bases of the plants. Other mechanical methods include hydroraking, machine harvesting and dredging. These will cover greater areas but will probably be expensive and may require permits. Herbicides have been used for invasives but they will also affect desired plant species; and, although they will probably reduce the density of plants they will not likely eliminate them.
Your best bet for finding the most successful methods of control in your area, however, is to contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' Aquatic Nuisance Species Program. You can find links on their webpage to excellent information, such as Aquatic Weed Control Overview from Clemson Cooperative Extension, that explains the control methods mentioned above as well as other methods.
More Problem Plants Questions
How to get rid of nut grass from San Antonio
March 22, 2011 - We just had a house built on a lot that was mostly rock. The small back yard has a berm on which they brought in soil then mulched it. Now we are getting all sorts of weeds through the mulch, what my...
view the full question and answer
Controlling Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow tree)
July 20, 2013 - We are trying to remove Chinese tallow trees from the lake bed on Lake Buchanan. We cut them down, but they grow back from the roots. They are very hard to dig out. Do you have any suggestions for how...
view the full question and answer
Elimination of Whitemouth dayflower in Dothan AL
March 18, 2009 - I am infested with Widow's Tears in my yard. I would like to get rid of them. Can you tell me how?
view the full question and answer
Should a tree near a water well be transplanted?
July 31, 2013 - I have a water well and have about a 6 yr live oak planted in close proximity to it( about 10 feet). Would it be wise enough to transplant the tree while its this young or leave it alone. Also I need ...
view the full question and answer
Will Crossvine damage stucco walls?
June 17, 2015 - The Crossvine I planted about a month ago is doing well. It is growing up a stucco wall and its little tendrils are sticking to (or into?) the stucco. Is this going to grow into the stucco and damage ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |