The plant is recognised by its pairs of yellow/green, fleshy leaves that vary in shape. The leave bases are joined, forming a distinctive collar around the stem. In summer, white flowers grow in the axils on emergent and terrestrial forms.

The plant inhabits ponds, lakes, ditches, drainage channels etc and as such poses a threat not only to native plants but also the potential to increase flood risk by blocking channels with its excessive growth.

The Problem
The invasive, rapid, growth of this weed species out-competes native plants, absorbs all available nutrients and chokes ponds and ditches. The plant is very difficult to control as growth continues during winter.

Currently, reports indicate that the weed is prevalent in over 1,000 sites across the UK and the plant is easily dispersed to other sites by small fragments carried on mud attached to boots and tyres.

The Solution
Early identification is vital as any delay adds substantially to the problem and this will increase year-on-year. Herbicide treatments should be put in place at the early stage of infestation.

Applying herbicides in the spring and early summer for the control of both submerged vegetation and emergent plant material is the correct time for treatment.

Cutting is not recommended but dredging out marginal and emergent vegetation can be effective as the plant is shallow rooted.

As early detection is so important, a Goss aquatic weed specialist will provide immediate identification and advise suitable control treatments.