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AquaPlantA Diagnostics Tool for Pond Plants and Algae
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Dotted Duckweed

Landoltia punctata

Non-Native

Dotted duckweed diagram
dotted duckweed up close

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration courtesy of University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Used with permission.

What is Dotted Duckweed?

Physical Characteristics

  • Grow in clusters

Leaves:

  • Usually 2 leaves per plant
  • Shoe-shaped
  • Dotted texture

Roots:

  • 2-5 roots falling from each leaf

Where Does it Grow?

Non-Native

Dotted duckweed can be found in rivers, ponds and lakes.

Is it Invasive?

Dotted duckweed can be an aggressive invader of ponds and are often found mixed in with other duckweeds, mosquito fern, and/or watermeal. If colonies cover the surface of the water, then oxygen depletion and fish kills can occur. These plants should be controlled before they cover the entire surface of the pond.

This is a non-native plant that should not be grown as it is invasive and illegal to possess or transport this species in Texas. Please report sightings to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department at (512) 389-4800.

How to Manage This Plant
Plant Glossary
Online Courses

2023 Aquatic Webinars

Jun 20: Fish Management Strategies

Jul 18: To Treat or Not to Treat: Late Season Management

Aug 15: Water Quality for Fisheries Management

Sep 19: Common Aquatic Vegetation Management Mistakes

Oct 17: Liming and Clearing Ponds

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Photo Credits: The majority of the aquatic plant line drawings are the copyright of the University of Florida Center for Aquatic Plants (Gainsville). They are used with permission.

Aquatic plant photographs were provided by David Bayne, Jim Davis, Kelly Duffie, Billy Higginbotham, Michael Masser, John Clayton, Chetta Owens, Diane Smith, Joe Snow, Don Steinbach, Bridget Robinson Lassiter and Peter Woods.

You may use these photos, so long as you give credit to AquaPlant.

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