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Coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum) is a dark olive-green, rootless submerged plant that often forms dense colonies. Leaves are relatively stiff, whorled with many forks and small teeth along one edge. The tips of branches are crowded with leaves giving it a “coontail” resemblance. Coontail has thin, rough leaves very similar to Chara, but the leaves are forked and the plant has no noticeable odor. It can grow in deep water and become topped out at the surface.
Mechanical Options
Coontail can be controlled through cutting and raking, dyes or fertilizers or barriers.
Information on Mechanical Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation
Biological Options
Grass carp will consume coontail and are excellent at controlling it.
Information on Biological Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation
Chemical Options
The active ingredients that have been successful in treating coontail include: 2, 4-D (G), Diquat (E), Endothall (E), Flumioxazin (G) and Fluridone (E). E = excellent, G = good
Information on Chemical Treatment of Aquatic Vegetation
Return to the submerged vegetation page