Hydrilla

Description

Hydrilla is a perennial plant that forms dense colonies and can grow to the surface in water over 20 feet deep. Hydrilla branches profusely and after reaching the surface it extends across it forming thick mats. Hydrilla can reproduce by fragmentation, from seeds, from turions (axillary buds), and from tubers. Leaves are blade-like about 1/8 inch and 3/8 inch long with small tooth margins and spines on the underside of the midrib that make them feel rough. Leaves are usually 4 to 8 in a whorl.

Other Names: Elodea

Mechanical Control

Hydrilla can be removed by cutting and raking from the pond. It will regrow from remaining roots and seeds.

Pond Dye can be used to limit sunlight into the pond. With reduced sunlight, photosynthesis cannot occur so growth will be stunted.

Chemical Control

There are several options to control Hydrilla. If you are not sure what treatment is right for your pond? Click here to view our product selection guide or choose from some of our most popular chemicals:

  1. Use a season long herbicide such as Airmax WipeOut or Sonar A.S.. One treatment treats Hydrilla and many other common pond weeds for the season.
  2. Use a broad spectrum contact herbicide, such as Ultra PondWeed Defense, will quickly kill Hydrilla. Because it does not stay in the water body, multiple treatments may be needed throughout the season.
  3. Use KnockDown Defense, a fast and selective herbicide that controls tough invasive and nuisance aquatic plants.

Chemical Application Best Practices

Anytime you use chemicals treat weeds and algae, please keep in mind the following:

  • Treat your pond in sections. Treat only half the pond's surface at a time. During hot weather or when treating heavy growth, it is important to treat no more than 1/4 of your pond at a time and wait the full 14 days before re-applying. This helps lower the risk of fish loss during hot weather or when treating heavy growth.
  • Once the weeds have browned & died, use a weed cutter & rake to remove as much dead material as possible. This prevents an accumulation of dead plant material and muck.
  • Take a proactive approach to pond management. Use PondClear, MuckAway and Pond Dye to keep your pond looking great. For more information, see our article on the Airmax Ecosystem.

Ask an Expert

If you are unable to identify your pond weed(s) using our Weed ID Guide, follow this article to email us a photo.