Nuttall's pondweed

Nuttall’s pondweed

(Elodea nuttallii)

This perennial submerged plant is native to North America and was first recorded in Ireland in the 1980s. It grows in still and slow flowing water and thrives in eutrophic habitats. It is a freshwater plant but is tolerant of moderately saline water.

In recent years it has become widespread in Ireland and, where it establishes, can form exceptionally dense monocultures. These occupy the water column from bed to surface. No native flora can compete with this plant and, as a consequence, biodiversity suffers following its introduction. It also interferes with any form of amenity usage of infested waterways.

Video identification

Identification of Three Closely Related Aquatic Plant Species

Identification of Three Closely Related Aquatic Plant Species: Curly leaved Waterweed (Lagarosiphon major), Nuttall's Pondweed (Elodea nuttallii) and Canadian Pondweed (Elodea canadensis) by Dr. Joe Caffrey, Inland Fisheries Ireland

Distribution

Distribution of Nuttall's pondweed in Ireland