American Lotus

Control Options

Cultivation Options

Description of This Plant

Control Options

Mechanical/Physical

American lotus can be cut and removed but is difficult to control physically because it can reestablish from seeds and rhizomes.

Biological

At this time there is no available biological control for American lotus.

Chemical

The active ingredients that have been successful in treating American lotus include 2,4-D (E), endothall (G), triclopyr (E) and glyphosate (G). E = excellent, G = good

Navigate and Aqua-Kleenare 2,4-D compounds that have been effective on American lotus. 2,4-D compounds are systemic herbicides. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides.

Aquathol, Aquathol K, and Aquathol Super K are dipotassium salts of endothall and comes in both liquid and granular formulations. These endothall products have been effective on American lotus. Contact herbicides act quickly and kill all plant cells that they contact.

Renovate is a liquid triclopyr formulation that is effective on american lotus. It is a selective broadleaf, systemic herbicide. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides. An aquatically registered surfactant (see the label) will improve the effectiveness of triclopyr.

Rodeo, Aquamaster, Eraser AQ, Touchdown Pro, and AquaNeatare liquid glyphosate formulations and have been effective on American lotus. It is a broad spectrum, systemic herbicide. Systemic herbicides are absorbed and move within the plant to the site of action. Systemic herbicides tend to act more slowly than contact herbicides. An aquatically registered surfactant (see the label) will have to be added to the glyphosate solution for good results.

One danger with any chemical control method is the chance of an oxygen depletion after the treatment caused by the decomposition of the dead plant material. Oxygen depletions can kill fish in the pond. If the pond is heavily infested with weeds it may be possible (depending on the herbicide chosen) to treat the pond in sections and let each section decompose for about two weeks before treating another section. Aeration, particularly at night, for several days after treatment may help control the oxygen depletion.

One common problem in using aquatic herbicides is determining area and/or volume of the pond or area to be treated. To assist you with these determinations see SRAC #103 Calculating Area and Volume of Ponds and Tanks.

Many aquatically registered herbicides have water use restrictions. For General Water Use Restrictions click here.

To see the labels for these products click on the name. Always read and follow all label directions. Check label for specific water use restrictions.