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AquaPlantA Diagnostics Tool for Pond Plants and Algae
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Duckweed

Lemna spp.

common_duckweed

overview of duckweed in pond
duckweed covering portion of a pond

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

What is Duckweed?

Overview

Physical Characteristics

Leaves:

  • Clusters of 2-5+
  • Round or egg-shaped
  • Slightly curving

Flowers:

  • 2-3 flowers

Fruit:

  • Bladder-like
  • Slightly winged

Seeds:

  • Smooth with a spongy outer layer

Roots:

  • 3-11 nerves

Where Does it Grow?

Duckweed can be found in ponds, lakes and streams.

Is it invasive?

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.

Pros and Cons of Duckweed

Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called “detritus”) for many aquatic invertebrates.

What Type of Duckweed Do I have?

There are three common types of duckweed in North America. Click on the buttons to learn more about each species.

Lemna valdivinia
Lemna minuta
Lemna minor
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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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