Download To: Ron Rosi From: Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board

To: Ron Rosi
From: Mason County Noxious Weed Control Board
Subject: Identification of Aquatic Plants
Plant Location
Plant Name
Plant Information
Phillips Lake SW Loop
Dulichium
Dulichium arundinaceum
This tall, perennial grass-like herb
has stems that arise singly or in
small patches from creeping
rootstocks. The leaves are arranged
in three vertical rows along the
upper stem, giving the plant a
symmetrical appearance. This plant
is common in coastal areas. It
occurs in wet meadows, bogs, and
in the shallow water of stream and
lake margins.
Importance of plant: The
achenes are eaten by waterfowl.
Dulichium's rhizomatous growth
may also help stabilize shorelines.
Phillips Lake W and E Side
Rush
Juncus or Carex
Rushes are grass-like plants
frequently found in wet places
including shorelines of lakes,
ponds, and streams. Rushes usually
have round green stems, with
clusters of brown, papery flowers
appearing to come from the top or
side of the stem
Importance of plant: Nesting
material, food, and shelter for
many insects, birds, and mammals.
Phillips Lake South End Lot 15
Water-Purslane
Ludwigia palustris
These perennial herbs can be
found creeping on the shoreline,
floating on the water surface, or
growing upright. Water purslane is
smaller and has inconspicuous
flowers and opposite leaves.
Although these two species are
closely related, they do not
resemble each other in
appearance.
Importance of plant: Provides
food for muskrats and waterfowl.
Water purslane is used in water
gardens and has medicinal uses.
Phillips Lake NW Loop 2450
Sedge
Carex
Sedges are grass-like, fibrousrooted plants often found growing
in marshy areas. A common
phrase, "sedges have edges," helps
identify these plants, and refers to
the fact that most members of this
genus have three-sided stems that
are triangular in cross-section.
More than 130 sedge species occur
in Washington. Most inhabit wet
areas.
Importance of plant: Used by
Native Americans for weaving
baskets and mats. Seeds used by
many birds, and browsed by deer,
elk, and moose. Stabilizes
shorelines
Phillips Lake E Side Rosi’s Beach
Phillips Lake South End 15
Muskwort
Chara
Although these common lake
inhabitants look similar to many
underwater plants, they are
actually algae. Muskgrasses are
green or gray-green colored algae.
The main "stem" of muskgrasses
bear whorls of branchlets,
clustered at regularly spaced joints.
These algae are identifiable by
their strong skunk-like or garlic
odor, especially evident when
crushed.
Importance of plant: An
important food source for
waterfowl, particularly ducks.
Provides valuable protection for
young fish and invertebrates.
Muskgrasses grow quickly and
occasionally cover the entire
bottom of ponds, however its low
growth rarely causes it to be
considered a nuisance in
Washington.
Phillips Lake N Loop 2606
Common Elodea
Elodea canadensis
These underwater perennial plants
sometimes occur as tangled masses
in lakes, ponds, and ditches.
Individual plants within each
species vary in appearance
depending on growing conditions.
Importance of plant: Food and
habitat for fish, waterfowl, other
wildlife. Used in cool water
aquariums.
Phillips Lake NE Loop 2606
Big-Leaf Pondweed
Potamageton amplifolus
Big-leaf pondweed has two leaf
types: large, usually wavy-edged
underwater leaves which are
curved into a banana shape, and
oval, leathery floating leaves that
grow on or near the water surface.
The underwater leaves often decay
late in the growing season.
Importance of plant: Seeds and
entire plant is good wildlife food
and habitat.
Phillips Lake South End Lot 15
Rush
Juncus or Carex
Rushes are grass-like plants
frequently found in wet places
including shorelines of lakes,
ponds, and streams. Rushes usually
have round green stems, with
clusters of brown, papery flowers
appearing to come from the top or
side of the stem
Importance of plant: Nesting
material, food, and shelter for
many insects, birds, and mammals.
Phillips Lake NW Loop 2450
Unknown
Not enough plant material for
proper ID.