Smartweed

Smartweed is a perennial plant that forms dense colonies in shallow water or moist soils and can grow up to 3 feet tall. Smartweed leaves are oblong and arranged alternatively upon its jointed stems. The small flowers are white or pink and are found at the end of vertical stalks. Smartweed may be emersed or submersed, with only the flowers being displayed.

Impact

  • 1

    Recreational activities such as swimming, fishing, and boating can be impaired and even prevented.

  • 2

    Dense mats of Aquatic weeds can block sunlight from native submerged plants.

  • 3

    Aquatic weeds greatly detract from the aesthetic appeal of a body of water.

  • 4

    Excessive growth can lead to fish stunting and overpopulation. This occurs because the production of too much habitat prevents effective feeding of small fish by larger fish.

  • 5

    Aquatic weeds can cause fish kills.

  • 6

    Aquatic weed growth provides quiet water areas ideal for mosquito breeding.

  • 7

    Weeds impede water flow in drainage ditches, irrigation canals, and culverts and cause water to back up.

  • 8

    It can cut off sunlight to submersed plants and cut off oxygen to fish and other wildlife.

Location

Smartweed can be found in most of the contiguous states.

Solutions

  • BEST SOLUTION