Aquatic Invasive Species Education

Spotting the Invaders: A Guide to Identifying Aquatic Invasive Species

Eurasian Water Milfoil

Plant Type: Submerged
Status: Widespread throughout Minnesota
Native Look-alike: Northern Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum)

How to ID

• 12-21 pairs of leaflets
• Stems are limp and spaghetti-like
• Stems are reddish brown to pink

In 2021 Sugar Lake had a significant patch of Eurasian Milfoil. It was chemically treated and successfully eradicated. CLICK HERE for a video from underwater of the large patch. If we don’t continue to fight this invasive plant our lakes will be overtaken!

Curlyleaf Pondweed

Plant Type: Submerged
Status: Widespread throughout Minnesota
Native Look-alike: Clasping Leaf Pondweed

How to ID

• Leaves are crinkly
• Fine-toothed leaf edges
• Leaf tips are blunt
• Leaf base does not wrap around the stem
• Begins growing in early spring before other plants and dies back mid-summer
• Forms dense mats