Southern Naiad aka bushy pondweed
Southern naiad, Najas guadalupensis is a submerged aquatic plant. Its common names include southern naiad, bushy pondweed and guppy grass.
Southern naiad produces many small leaves along the plant stem. Southern naiad leaves are only about 1” long. Southern naiad leaves get gradually smaller as they get to the tip of the stem. Stems can grow up to 2 feet in length.
Naiad is often confused with sago pondweed. Southern naiad leaves are arranged in whorls while sago pondweed leaves are arranged oppositely in sheaths. Sago pondweed leaves can vary from 1-6”.
Where does Southern Naiad grow?
You can find southern naiad growing throughout the United States. It can grow in water depths up to 15 feet deep, if water is clear.
How does naiad spread?
Southern naiad dies back each year and repopulates from seed. It spreads easily by fragmentation.
Is Bushy Pondweed / Naiad good or bad for my pond?
This is pond weed is native to the United States . Naiad provides provides habitat for young fish and invertebrates. Because this aquatic plant can easily spread through fragmentation, close management is recommended.
How do I get rid of Southern Naiad?
Early season application of Pond Dye can limit pond weed growth. Dye must be applied before growth begins and maintained throughout the year to be effective.
Grass carp can be used to control naiad growth. Grass carp can eat 2 to 3 times their own body weight in vegetation each day.
Aquatic Herbicides for Southern Naiad Control
Aquathol K and Aquathol Super K provide excellent control of naiad pond weed. This treatment yields quick results and have no water use restrictions after use.
Propeller also provides excellent control of naiad. This treatment yeilds results in less than 1 week/
Sonar provides a long term management solution for naiad. Sonar reacts slowly, taking 30-60 days for results. However, this treatment successfully kills to the roots. The entire pond must be treated for success. This treatment option is only for ponds with little or no flow coming into the pond. Sonar AS, Sonar RTU, and Sonar One are all available options
Duckweed Destroyer is a great fast-acting, broad spectrum treatment option. This is a great choice if there are multiple weed species needing controlled. Duckweed Destroyer is also great for ponds that have algae growth and submerged weeds in the same area.