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Curly waterweed

(Lagarosiphon major / Elodea densa)

A non-native invasive plant.

This waterweed, and others similar to it (like Canadian waterweed Elodea canadensis and Nuttall’s waterweed Elodea nuttallii) are widely sold across Britain – often labelled simply as ‘oxygenating plants’ or ‘pondweeds’.

What's the problem?

Their prolific growth means they can form dense masses and reduce other plant life.

Although they are sold for their ‘oxygenating’ quality, they can cause big fluctuations in oxygen availability and this can be harmful to invertebrates and fish.

What are we doing about it?

Find out more about Plantlife's invasive plant programme by clicking here.