Curly Leaf Pondweed is one of 80 pondweed species found within the world. It is native to Eurasia, Africa and Australia. It was accidently introduced with the common carp in the early 1800’s and made its way to Wisconsin in 1905 with fish imported from Europe.
This plant has a unique growing cycle and starts to grow under the ice before the native plants begin growth. This is one way it gains a competitive edge within lakes. It grows early and dies back early in June or July. When the plant dies back it places a lot of nutrients in the water, which often contributes to algae blooms and other plant growth.
Unlike Eurasian Water Milfoil which spreads by fragmentation this plant spreads by a vegetative bud called a turion.