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Bladderworts (Utricularia spp.) are about 8 inches tall and lack roots but have flowers on erect stems above the water. They often have small flowers on a frail stem just a few centimeters above the surface. Usually these flowers are yellow, but some species have purple flowers. The underwater branches are fleshy and inflated with air, which allows them to float. The leaves are whorled with 4 to 10 forked, lateral leaves. Bladderworts also have modified leaves underwater that bear small oval “bladders” which trap and digest small aquatic creatures. Bladderworts are usually found in quiet shallow, acidic waters and can form dense mats. Bladderwort can also be rooted to the bottom, but only rarely.
Bladderwort can be physically removed from the pond by cutting.
Mechanical treatment for aquatic vegetation
Grass carp will consume bladderwort and are effective at controlling it.
Biological treatment for aquatic vegetation
The active ingredients that have been successful in treating bladderwort include: 2, 4-D (G), Diquat (G), Fluridone (G), and Imazamox (G). E = excellent; G = good.
Chemical treatment for aquatic vegetation
Return to the non-rooted floating vegetation page
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