Nuisance Pond Weed Highlight: Bladderwort
Bladderwort (Utricularia spp.) is a genus of carnivorous aquatic plants consisting of more than 200 species. The submersed free-floating plants utilize bladder-like traps (0.2mm-1.2cm) to capture small prey, including mosquito larvae. Hundreds of traps cover the plant’s 4- to 10-inch stem, which can be topped by yellow or lavender flowers.
Due to its lack of roots, Bladderwort grows in dense, complex mats, which can limit water circulation, crowd out native vegetation and cause bad odors to develop in an aquatic ecosystem. Bladderwort propagates via seed and fragmentation, making management a challenge.
SOLitude has successfully managed bladderwort infestations in marshes, wetlands and other delicate ecosystems using EPA-approved herbicides. Management is always paired with proactive strategies to reduce free-radical phosphorous, limit future nutrient loading, enhance water quality, and improve other parameters that impact nuisance aquatic plant growth. As with any challenge, proactive management is key to the long-term health of the ecosystem.
How to Control Algae and Pond Weeds
SOLitude Lake Management is an environmental firm committed to providing full-service solutions that improve water quality, preserve natural resources, and reduce our environmental footprint. Our services include lake, pond, wetland and fisheries management programs, algae and aquatic weed control, mechanical harvesting, hydro-raking, installation and maintenance of fountains and aeration systems, water quality testing and restoration, bathymetry, lake vegetation studies, biological assessments, habitat assessments, invasive species management and nuisance wildlife management. Services, consulting and aquatic products are available to clients nationwide, including homeowners associations, multi-family and apartment communities, golf courses, commercial developments, ranches, private landowners, reservoirs, recreational and public lakes, municipalities, parks, and state and federal agencies. Learn more about SOLitude Lake Management and purchase products at www.solitudelakemanagement.com.
