Brittle NaiadNajas minor

Only naiad species that is non-native

First discovered in U.S. in 1930’s

Annual plant

Highly branched stems up to 4 ft

Fragments easily !!

Confused with native coontail –opposite leaves not in whorls

Leaves stiff, curled, pointed and w/ spines

Tolerates moderate turbidity and fertile water

Reproduces by seed AND fragmentation !

Seeds moved by waterfowl

http://nas2.er.usgs.gov/viewer/omap.aspx?SpeciesID=1118

Outcompetes native plants –reduces diversity of plants

Can choke water body - impede use

Affect aesthetics

Control Options

Grass Carp

Aquatic herbicides

Diquat – “Reward”

Endothall – “Aquathol”

Fluridone – “Sonar”, “Avast”

Flumioxazin – “Clipper”

Questions?