Curly-leafed Pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) Curly-leafed Pondweed. Robert Johnson, Cornell University. Ruthanna Hawkins, Cayuga Lake Watershed Network. Used with permission. Curly-leafed Pondweed Drawing, University of Florida, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants Line Drawing DVD Master. Used with permission. Native to Eurasia, Africa, and Australia Accidentally introduced to U.S. waters by hobbyists in the mid-1880s Exists throughout the United States Plant Characteristics Submersed rooted perennial plant with reddish-green leaves that have distinct wavy edges like lasagne noodles Plant's flat, spaghetti-like reddish-brown stems grow 1 to 3 feet long Leaves are finely toothed, oblong in shape, and typically about 3 inches long Crispy feel comes from the wavy aspect and fine teeth along the leaf edges. Spring leaves are wider than winter leaves and have less wavy leaf margins Spreads through fragmentation, rhizomes and from burr-like winter buds called turions One of the first plants to emerge in early spring and it can grow under ice Peak growth occurs in mid-June Becomes dormant in July and August. This mid-summer die-off leads to loss of habitat for fish and invertebrates, can increase turbidity, and can lead to oxygen depletion, increase in nutrients and subsequent algae blooms. Forms dense vegetation mats Found in lakes, ponds, and streams throughout New York State Back Page updated on August 10, 2005.