Southern Naiad (Bushy Pondweed) Identification & Treatment
Scientific Name: Najas guadalupensis Category: Submerged Tier: 2 — Regionally Significant — Common in multiple EPA ecoregions
← Back to Plant Identification Guide | Product Cross-Reference | Ecoregion Guide
Identification
Southern naiad has slender, flexible stems with narrow, opposite leaves that are finely toothed along the margins. Leaves are about 1 inch long and very narrow. Plants are often heavily branched, giving a bushy appearance, particularly near the tips. Key distinguishing features:
- Opposite, narrow leaves with finely toothed margins
- Bushy, heavily branched growth (hence "bushy pondweed")
- Rooted in sediment but easily uprooted
- Annual plant — grows from seed each year
Treatment
Recommended Natural Waterscapes Products:
- Aquathol K (endothall) — Contact herbicide.
- Harvester (diquat) — Contact herbicide.
- Sonar A.S. (fluridone) — Systemic option.
Full Profile
- Native Range: Native to the Americas
- US Distribution: Widespread across the US, especially southern and central states. USDA Zones 4–11.
- Regulatory Status: Not regulated (native).
- Habitat: Ponds, lakes, streams. Tolerates a wide range of water conditions.
- Reproduction: Annual — grows from seed each year. Also fragments.
- Ecological Benefits: Good fish habitat. Seeds are important waterfowl food. In moderate amounts, desirable in ponds.
Sources: Texas A&M AquaPlant – Southern Naiad | USDA PLANTS Database
Related Species
- Hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata) — Submerged, Tier 1
- Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) — Submerged, Tier 1
- Coontail (Hornwort) (Ceratophyllum demersum) — Submerged, Tier 1
- Curly-Leaf Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) — Submerged, Tier 1
- Elodea (Common Waterweed) (Elodea canadensis) — Submerged, Tier 1
- Egeria (Brazilian Elodea) (Egeria densa) — Submerged, Tier 1
← Back to Plant Identification Guide | Product Cross-Reference | Beneficial Considerations
Natural Waterscapes — Expert Aquatic Plant Identification & Treatment Need help identifying a plant? Send us a photo and our experts will identify it for you.