CURLYLEAF PONDWEED--Undesirable exotic. Also known as Crisp pondweed. Waxy cuticle on upper leaves making them stiff and brittle. Leaves resemble lasagna noodles. Grow in dense mats near the surface. Native plants cannot get sun and space. Massive natural die-off in summer lowers oxygen level and kills fish.

FLOATINGLEAF PONDWEED--Distinguished by shape of two different types of leaves. Floating leaves are slightly heart shaped. Below the water are very long and narrow, if at all. Many species of fish use this plant for cover in streams, lakes and ponds.

COONTAIL--Desirable aquatic plant supports waterfowl, fish and insects. Thick growths around shore can be problem. Lacks true roots and commonly floats near the surface in late summer. Stiff leaves are whorled around a hollow stem in groups of 5 to 12. Differentiated from milfoils by forked, not feathery, leaves.

LARGELEAF PONDWEED--Thick, large stems and broad leaves. Submerged leaves look wavy and taper toward the stem. Floating leaves egg shaped.

WILD CELERY--Commonly known as eelgrass or tape grass. Submersed plant can form thick beds and dominate an area. Grass-like leaves have distinctive vein pattern. Flaccid when out of the water, foliage occurs in tufts, much like turf grass. Prefers soft muck.

CLASPINGLEAF PONDWEED--Extremely leafy at the dip. Can be easily confused with Curly leaf. Both have wavy submerged leaves. Clasping leaf leaves not serrated.

COMMON NAIAD--Ribbon like leaves submersed. Annual plant from seed can form dense mass by summer. Southern naiad is leafier with reddish brown stems.

MUSKGRASS--Actually a form of algae. Often confused with coontail or milfoils, has gritty texture and musky odor.